midmoump

Review of the ESS Crossbow sunglasses posted at Midwest Ump. Also 15% discount for readers now through 9/15. use discount code in article. Pete

Warren, The MLB Umpire Ejection Fantasy League states that through July 16 of this year there have been 121 ejections. Through July 16 of 2010 there were 102 ejections. Pete

Longtime umpire Dick Runchey has received the inaugural National Collegiate Umpire Award presented by the College Baseball Foundation and College Baseball Hall of Fame in Lubbock, Texas. The award honors lifetime excellence in umpiring, and was presented to Runchey on July 3 as part of the College Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Read the rest of the article on Midwest Ump Pete

I recently received an email from Justin Klemm, the Executive Director of PBUC, regarding an umpire clinic in Greensboro, NC on July 23. I copied the email below. Information on umpire schools, camps, and clinics can be found at: http://midwestump.blogspot.com/p/umpire-schools-camps-and-clinics.html Pete ---------------------------------------------------------------- Please see attached flyer for our umpire clinic on July 23, in Greensboro, NC. Come join us. We appreciate the support in our first year and look forward to building lasting relationships with officials at all levels. Special thanks to the South Atlantic League, Donald Moore and Katie Dannemiller of the Greensboro Grasshoppers for their support and guidance. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Umpire-School/121846164561757#!/pages/The-Umpire-School/121846164561757?sk=wall Let us know what we can do better! Thanks again and best of luck the rest of your season. Justin F. Klemm Executive Director, PBUC Minor League Baseball www.milb.com www.TheRightCall.net

My totally arbitrary standard for a masks with stock harness and pads (no TG) is: One pound or less - super light weight More than one pound to less than 1.5 pounds - light weight More than 1.5 pounds, forgetaboutit Pete

I have tried Maui Jim, Bolle, Oakley, Peakvision, and Gargoyle. I like the Maui Jim the best. I also wear contacts and I'm now seriously considering using sunglasses on the plate. Earlier this year I worked a college game on the dish and the wind was blowing straight in and hard. I put on the Peakvision and saw the ball pretty well and the glasses protected my eyes from the wind and dust. My next pair will be the ESS Crossbow. I am interested in the ESS system because they are fog and scratch resistant, 2.4mm Polycarbonate lenses, and 100% UVA and UVB protection. They are also authorized by the US Army. The gear junky in me is anxious to get my hands on these. . . Pete

I nominate Fitts: http://umpire-empire...h__1#entry47586

Major, Welcome back! I'm glad to hear that you have spoiled yourself - you deserve it! I am jealous that you were able to inspect the new UA poly-wools as I have not seen them. Jim swore me to secrecy about this new product a few months ago, so it sounds like he is getting close to a release date. BTW, I recently made a couple new KC contacts that may be able to help you. I'll email you that info. Raiders, I read your comments on the Midwest Ump site which sometimes reminds me of chirping from the dugout. While the personal attacks are annoying, feedback helps me refine what I am doing. In the end, my opinions are just that - my opinions. You, and all other umpires are entitled to your own opinions and are welcome to share them on the site. As far as Ump-Attire, I enjoy that relationship which is casual at best. I am not paid by Ump-Attire although I do receive an occasional product to review. Many manufacturers send products for review, some do not. When I receive a free product it is disclosed in the review, and I try to provide a balanced view of the product, despite its "freebie" status. The truth is that most umpire gear on the market works well and receive "Fair" endorsements. Like anyone, I have personal preferences like the Champro mask which I endorsed before Ump-Attire began stocking it. I also prefer the Nutty Buddy which Ump-Attire does not carry. I know Jim reads these boards and actively solicits opinions and feedback. This results in Ump-Attire stocking excellent products at fair prices. The service is also first-rate, so what's not to like? Mazz, Honig's new shirt is made in China. I purchased a couple during their Spring clearance sale (two for $38 is hard to pass up). That sale is still active today. My first impression is favorable, but I haven't had a chance to field test it. Out of the box it feels a lot like the Ump-Attire Ultimate! Go figure! -Pete

Joe Maddon was fined $500 for ejecting the umpires. It would have been more if it hadn't been so damn entertaining!

Verlander disengaged, and IMO he proceeded to pitch while not in contact with the rubber. This is an illegal pitch (Rule 2.00) and is penalized as a balk with runners on base (Rule 8.05). However, when an illegal pitch hits the batter and forces all runners to advance one base, the balk penalty is ignored and the HBP is enforced (Rule 8.05 penalty).

Sold.

I like 'em fine. They wrap around and provide great visibility. I bought two pair to get a better price and free shipping. Before I list the extra pair on eBay, I thought I would offer it here. Pete

I recently purchased two pair of Gargoyle Intimidator sunglasses and I will sell one pair. The frame is black and the lens is smoke (looks black to me). Blocks UVA, UVB and UVC light. I am selling this never-been-worn, new in the box pair of sunglasses for $46 and free US shipping. Dimensions: Frame Width: 144mm Lens: 46mm high x 83mm wide Bridge: 19mm Temple Length: 117mm Pete

+ a billion

I stand corrected. The review states, "The only reservation I have with this mask is with the pads." That is a misstatement. I should be more careful! The issue I have is in how the pads contact the forehead because of the frame design. I have not seen replacement pads offered for the FM2000UMP. Your best bet is to contact All-Star directly. Pete

The Modell's sale has expired. It was a two day 40% off with free shipping sale March 9-10. Pete

The pads on the All Star FM2000UMP are fine (although my personal preference is leather). The mask is light and comfortable, and the price is really, really good. The lab test video is also very impressive. This frame is shaped differently to place more of the surface of the pad in contact with your hat/forehead. All-Star is an innovative company and this design is innovative, but I have some questions about the effectiveness of this design. I think I get the concept: more surface contact means a greater area to distribute the impact. So, where does the energy go? It is attenuated by the frame and the mask pads, then distributed on your forehead. Other masks that fit less snugly will transfer the ball's energy more acutely at one or two points. A mask that fits tight against your head will have a hard time spinning. The spinning dissipates the energy, so less is transferred to your head, especially off-center blows that hit lower on the mask. So is this new design more effective at protecting my noggin', less effective, or the same effective? I dunno. That's the question that I have, however it is a nice mask. Here's the link to the review: http://midwestump.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-of-all-star-fm2000ump-umpire.html Pete

Dean! I just found your announcement. Congrats! Its nice to see recognition for someone who works hard to improve his game. Pete

Kyle, what are you using for a replacement mask pad? I prefer the Wilson a3009x pads in the Champro Magnesium; and the Team Wendy pads in the Diamond iX3 for my back-up rig. Pete

Not all mask pads are the same. I have not tested your Markwort pads, but I did compare eleven replacement pads in a recent Midwest Ump review. The eleven pads fit a little differently in the Diamond “test†mask, but all of the Wilson wrap around pads have a similar fit. The heaviest pads I tested were an astounding 9.5 ounces! The Diamond iX3 pads tied for the lightest at 2.5 ounces. Even Wilson wrap around pads weigh differently at 7, 7.5 and 5 ounces. The wrap around pads sold by Ump-Attire and purchased by ukce1861 weigh 5 ounces, are priced reasonably, are very comfortable, and fit the iX3 pretty well. I use these pads in my mask of choice, the Champro magnesium model. As for the All-Star FM2000UMP, I like it a lot and recommend it for a hollow core steel mask. The video testing by All-Star is impressive, but I have not taken foul balls off this mask. I am also somewhat concerned about its design that fits the mask tighter against the forehead. I worry that this design will transfer more impact force to the forehead and prevent the mask from spinning. Hope this info helps, Pete

That's a seldom seen Wilson A3209 West Vest umpire chest protector. You can buy one in 12 or 13.5" lengths at homerunmonkey.com for $104.49 with free shipping (use coupon code rmnsave5). It has an adjustable chest plate. The updated version of this CP has improved shoulder protection over what is advertised on eBay. For just a little more you can get a new Platinum, so I'd pass on the over-priced used equipment. Seriously, have you considered an (old) Champion P200 (17"); P210 (15"); or P220 (13") as a back up? You can find the Champion for under $50, it has removable plates, good coverage, good recommendations, and it is lighter than the Wilson CPs. Pete

Last year I worked a D-II game when the visiting team hit eight home runs and won 26-3 (home team hit one also). I sure wish we had the BBCOR bats that day! Pete

The college baseball season is a couple weeks old now. What are your impressions of the BBCOR bats? A recent article posted on the NCAA website shows a significant drop in home runs from last year. My first game of the year went 8-1/2 innings, 4-1 score, 2:10 minutes. The BBCOR bats make this umpire very happy. Pete

Warren has the best advice. You will feel absolutely ridiculous doing it, but if you want to look sharp, have your plate pants tailored while you are wearing your guards. Pete

Fitts! Nice picture! Pete