JamesC

I want to know what I have to do to get these items to field test lol I hear of everyone getting items to field test. It must be nice!

I just got my black Ultimate Umpire Shirt in from ump-attire, and I absolutely love it. Once again, another top notch product from Jim and his staff. My only complaint is that they do not have more choices like the cream, major league polo, etc. Jim, if you're out there and reading this, are you going to be getting other colors soon? I need some more, and it is looking like I'm going to have to go to Honig's for the shirts. I'm sure this isn't that bad of a thing, but I really like the shirt I got from Jim!

We just started our regular weekly association meetings last Monday, and that got me to thinking. What do you guys do in your meetings? I'm assuming (and yes, I know what that does) that the majority of the time, if not all of it, is spent teaching mechanics and going over rules. If not, what do you guys do? What is a typical meeting for you and how do they usually go? Are you strictly softball, baseball, or a combination of both? What is your association mostly comprised of (what I mean by this is, are there mostly older guys, younger guys, or a good ratio of each)? How long do your meetings usually last? Do you guys have a special fund that each person contributes to (either at the beginning or at any point during the season), and if so, what does it go toward? Also, how do you guys seek new members to call with you? Do you go by word of mouth, or do you usually just make do with what you have? And when you get new members, what if they are really good, would they still have a legitimate chance of calling some quality games throughout the season, or would they still have to go through the ranks just like everyone else? I just thought I would try to start a thread to get some involvement and get everyone worked up for the season. I know I am extremely excited and can hardly wait to get on the diamond!

I wish it were that easy. I live in a smaller town in North Louisiana, and the association I call in has, for the most part, always been more so of a softball association until here recently. Actually, this past season was my first with them and we done really well, calling all 3 rounds of the playoffs. That's a whole different story in itself, so I'll get back on topic. With it being a smaller town, and there is nothing really around unless it's over an hour away. I just wish there were something around here that might would carry the item, but I have been doing this long enough that I know for a fact there isn't, unfortunately. And as for the other people in my association, my assignor probably has the best chest protector (other than my Wilson maybe?) and he has an older Honig's CP. Not saying that mine is better, cause I honestly don't know. We have a lot of older members in our association that believe and are set in their ways. So, unfortunately, their equipment is older, out of date, plain, and their wardrobe is very narrow (only 1 or maybe 2 shirts). They believe that since they have been there forever, they shouldn't have to call any games during the regular season, and should get all the big district games and playoff games, while I have only been with them for 1 season, and called all 3 of the playoff rounds. I worked my ass off though to get where I am, and am very proud of what I have accomplished. I do not know how I got off on this subject, but I am now off my soap box! Just to reiterate, I could only wish I could find someone with the Gold CP to try out, along with other equipment that I have on my wish list! When I graduate school, I would love to start my own business down here with that type of stuff. Great thoughts, right?

It's the bulkiness of the shoulders that concerns me. I do not want to wear it a few games, and still not be satisfied with it, and then want to get rid of it and only be able to get $40-50 for it. I think it is worth much more than that. I am not saying that it is not a good chest protector, becaue I do believe that is an excellent one. However, I do not know if it is the right one for me. I just wish I could try the Gold as well, that way I would know for sure. That is the only thing I am contemplating. Whether or not I would like the Gold better. I understand that the padding is going to form to me and all, I am just concerned that $145 may be wasted if, after 5-10 games, I still dislike the chest protector the same as I do now. Does that make sense?

I wish I were able to try on both. I purchased the Platinum from ump-attire at the end of last season and was going to return it, but everyone seemed to think that if I just gave it a try I would get used to it. Well, I know I haven't worn it in any games yet, but I have tried it on numerous times, and still each time I take it off, I just say that I completely hate the thing! I would really like to try the Gold and see if I like it any better. The closest umpire clothing/equipment store to me is probably Honig's in Texas, and they do not carry the Wilson CPs. Maybe I can figure something else out.

I am a college student. I have 2-3 jobs (including umpiring) consistently year-round. I pay for all of my bills, including tuition. Tuition is definitely not cheap, and I try to use most of the money to pay for tuition and bills. However, when I do make a good tournament or a couple double-headers in a week, I like to invest in either a) some new gear (shirts, pants, protective equipment, accessories, etc.) or some new golf equipment. You can never go wrong with getting new golf equipment, right?!

I have not tried them, but unless you are on a tight budget and cannot afford a second pair of plain black shoes, or even shoes appropriate for calling some games, I would definitely go ahead and get a pair of the Reebok, New Balance, or even another paid of shoes that are strictly plate shoes. I don't know how comfortable the GD-12 would be when you remove the plate and call the bases. Just my opinion I guess. Love to hear what you other guys think. The New Balance and Reebok respectfully are only about $10 more than what you are looking at paying for the GD-12. Try Jim at www.ump-attire.com

I just want to know, plain and simple, which chest protector is less bulky? The Wilson Gold or the Wilson Platinum?

I have the Wilson gear bag with the dividers on top, but I keep my equipment on top and clothes in the bottom section. The bottom part has straps to help hold your clothing in place. Do you guys like the Diamond gear bag?

I seen that the price was for 1-9 and for 10+, but I did not go through the checkout process. I just figured the shipping was reasonable, but obviously not. Oh well, I was just wondering if anyone else had ever visited their site.

Has anyone on here ever checked out or done any business with epicsports.com? I was looking around for some shin guards and just checking some prices around, and found their site. is the site I was looking at the baseball gear and equipment. I think a few of the things may be a year or so out old, but still good. By old I mean not 2010 products. But oh well, if it worked in 2009, why wouldn't it in 2010? Let me know if you guys have ever done any business here.

I would say yes, but I do not have the book here with me. It seems I remember it saying something about "if/when the umpire or defensive team recognizes..." but I may be wrong. It is just rare that an umpire would catch it unless it is later in a game and the person that is usually batting after little Johnny isn't there anymore. I guess the umpire would have to be paying exceptional attention in this situation.

What if bases were loaded and he drew a walk? That would constitute the "with the help" statement, right? This may be a rhetorical question, but would you just call the illegal batter out (presuming the mistake was correctly protested) and return the runners?

Ok so I have answered my own question. FED Rule 7-1, last sentence of the first paragraph "While the improper batter is at bat, if a runner advances because of a stolen base, balk, wild pitch, or passed ball, such advance is legal".

I wasn't real sure if this would go under "Rules" or "Situations" but I decided on "Rules", so here it is. I was looking through my brand new 2010 FED rulebook and just freshening up on few things, trying to stay sharp; you know how us umpires are. Anyways, I'm looking at the rule that all umpires know but very few fans know. You know, the one about if an illegal player is discovered batting (or if someone is batting out of order) and this is a) brought to the umpires attention at the time of the bat, then the correct batter just assumes the count and continues or it is discovered immediately after the at bat, but before the first pitch to the next batter, then he will be declared out. So, my question is, what if there is an illegal batter, and a runner on third at the same time. Assume this batter works a 2-2 count, and the 5th pitch is a wild pitch and the runner scores. This moves the count to 3-2. Hypothetically speaking, to further the depth of this question, let's say the next pitch is ball four. Obviously the coach is going to do something about it, but would he do it after the runner scored, or would he wait until the walk is drawn? Does the coach taking action after the runner scored negate the score, and place the runner back on third base? Just some food for thought I guess, and something to discuss. Maybe this seems easy and irrelevant to you guys, but I just thought about it and thought it may be worth discussing.

Warren, I was trying to post a few things in the classifieds, but it will not allow me to access it. It asks for a username and password, which I'm guessing is the same as I use for the site? But then when I put that, it tells me that it is incorrect. So, I thought maybe it wasn't the same as the site's username and password, and selected "register". Then it said "user registration is not allowed at this time". Am I doing something wrong?

Yea, I noticed that about the shoes after the secod post, so I do apologize for that guys! I could still use the shirts I guess, but I'd rather try and get a few dollars for them and buy some better shirts. I may end up keeping them if I can't get anything for them.

I was just looking at the pictures I posted, and I noticed the inserts on the jackets look faded, but they definitely are not faded. I apologize for the glare on the images, but it is in excellent condition and are definitely not faded.

I am looking to invest in some new clothing mostly for the upcoming baseball season. I have done softball in the past, but am looking to focus solely on baseball this season. I have 5 Dalco shirts (red, black, cream, powder blue, and the major league polo powder blue with the black collar), a pair of New Balance 450 Plate Shoes, and a Smitty navy blue jacket with the powder inserts. The red, black, cream, and major league style polo shirts have only been worn about 2-3 times each, therefore are still in great condition. All the shirts are a Large. If you have any questions, just ask. I am wanting about $18 for the shirts and about another 5 to ship, or if you want 2, I could do 2 for $40, including shipping. The jacket is a Smitty size Large. It is practically brand new. I bought it in hopes of using it on a cold night, but never had to call any games on the colder nights. As I said earlier, I am looking to focus on baseball only now, and will no longer need this one as it was the one I used for softball. I paid about $60 plus shipping for the jacket, and I am looking to get about $50 plus shipping for it. Since it has not been worn and there is nothing wrong with it, I don't think that is a bad offer. The shoes are New Balance Plate Shoes, men's size 11. I am wanting to get a new pair of Reebok Plate Shoes, plus, for some reason, I ordered a size a bit too small for me. I paid around $110 for the shoes with shipping, and would like to get about $70 for them, and about another $10 for shipping. I am attaching 2 pictures of the shoes and 2 pictures of the jacket. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. If you want to negotiate the prices, feel free to ask. I have no problems with any of that. Just looking to get a few dollars back for my stuff and enough to go toward some new gear. Thanks!

I have to get the heather grey per association requirements. Should I get the Athletic Cut or the Western Style Pockets, and what is the difference?

My first year calling with my association our assignor addressed the "wearing the ball bag on the bases" issue! I could not believe people actually had the audacity to do that! Some people are just complete idiots!! Nice post! lol

I wanted a gift certificate to ump-attire.com but somehow my mother couldn't figure out how to get it?! lol Oh well, I'll definitely be stocking up soon, so Jim, be ready! Wouldn't hurt you to throw a few complimentary things in there either haha That would be nice though! Looking for some shoes, a new ball bag, one of Jim's new black shirts, a belt, and a mask. That is what I will be getting myself for "Christmas" if that counts?

As LMSANS said, there is a test of about 11 questions to determine whether he is an IC or an employee. The IRS is going to ask questions such as: 1. Who is the actually in charge in the situation? The Worker or the School? If the worker is perceived as his own boss, then it is an IC. If the School is perceived as being in charge, then he is an employee. 2. The IRS is going to want to know who pays the taxes? If the Worker pays the taxes at the end of the year, he is an IC. If the School is taking the taxes out of his paycheck each pay period, he is considered an employee. These are just a couple of the simple things that will be looked at. Of course the employee is having taxes held out of his check each pay period by the school, but in this particular case we are referring to the taxes for his performance in officiating the basketball game, not his full time job within the school system. Last but not least, to agree with everyone else, the secretary should have never made that comment. I don't think they should be paying him through the payroll department, but rather through the Accounts Payable department or the Athletic Funds maybe, or however the schools do that. Just my opinion!

The closest I've probably come was probably my first game to ever call. It was softball, I was 13 years old, and had never done anything like it before. I loved the sport of baseball more than anything, it was my life. So I though, "softball is basically the same as baseball, what could hurt?!" Well, "she's crow-hopping, blue!" and "come on blue, the girls on second and third are leaving too early" just confused the hell out of me. I knew you couldn't lead off, but I didn't know what to do if they did actually leave early. WOW, what a night I had then. When I finished, I got some helpful feedback from some of the coaches in the game, "speak up", "make yourself be heard", "don't say anything for a fair ball, just point", those type of things. Well, of course my parents wanted to know how it went, and naturally I felt like I just took a verbal beating, even though after calling more games, it really wasn't that bad. But for some off reason, I actually loved it. I am one of those people who words definitely do not bother me, and I really can just block things out. So after games or between innings, my partner may ask, "Did you hear what that guy behind the plate said?", and naturally I'm sitting there thinking, "I wonder which inning he is talking about, because I heard noises coming from back there all game!" So that is probably the closest I ever came, even though I really loved it and actually didn't even consider hanging it up, if that makes any sense? In a sense, my situation is much like Warren's I suppose, many arguments and crazy situations, but not once would I want to give this up! I absolutely love what I do, and if it were possible, I would be out there every single day. I am a senior in HR Management in college, and am just hoping that when I graduate I can find something where I could still call games on a regular basis.