Heave-Ho

Normally I just browse the site, and don't post much (I need to change that), but I figured I would chime in here with my 2 cents. I had 6 plates in the 92° heat on Saturday, which I will never do again. However, the only issue I had with feeling overheated was my legs from my shin guards. I'm only 15, so I have all my tips and tricks for staying warm during the cold HS season for us Ohio guys. I'm a big advocate for a company called Frostgear. Small company ran by a firefighter, and I love their cold weather gear. It made a big difference in warmth for me. This summer, the released a heat management line, and I decided to buy a compression shirt to hopefully stay cool during my plates. I can't stress enough how much I like them. I wore it as my shirt underneath my CP, and haven't had an issue yet. And for those who wondered why I worked 6 plates in one day (14 total over the 3 day tournament), I figured since this was a rec ball tourny, I'd be able to take it, as I'm younger and usually don't have an issue with it. Well, I've learned my lesson. No more than 3 plates in a row, ever again.

Howdy, With the season approaching, thought I'd start up a little conversation. What would you consider the "Mount Rushmore" of umpiring? The 4 biggest tournaments to work, or levels to umpire, etc. For example: Little League World Series Cooperstown High School Playoffs (Semi-Finals/Finals) Perfect Game Tournament Just trying to get a little baseball talk going.

Thanks for all the advice guys! Appreciate it.

Hey all, Can't wait for umpiring season to start back up, hoping to be more active here this year. Going into my 2nd season umpiring, and want to upgrade my gear a bit. I'm only 15, so I do a lot of lower level games, highest I do is U13. I bought a package for gear last year that I wasn't really found of. Fell apart quickly, and the CP was much bulkier than needed. I'm looking for a recommendation of a good chest protecter. Doesn't need to be super protective, as I typically don't see anything above 60 MPH, but it has to be enough to protect me obviously. Any recommendations? Also looking for a cheaper pair of shin guards as well. Thanks in advance, John

Hey all, I'll be doing my first ever one-man game tomorrow. Keep in mind it's a U8 game, so the level of baseball won't be terribly high. However, I want to make sure I get it done right. What is the "proper" positioning. I'll be doing the game from behind the plate, but when the ball is put in play, where should I go. I'm young and fast enough I can get out from behind the plate without much of a problem, I'm just slightly puzzled on proper positioning.

Thanks for the advice guys. I actually just did my first game Friday night. I look forward to continuing my journey, and this site will be an excellent resource.

I keep my blue book with my gear at my dad's place. However, that includes the blue book, as well as all other rule books. I'm hoping to review some positioning tonight, how can I find an online version of the blue book, so I can double check my positioning. Thanks, John

Thanks guys! I 100% agree with the catcher thing! It's nice that I'm not really worried about foul balls coming back at me, and am used to being behind the plate. I'll be ordering gear this weekend, and hopefully can get started soon. Can't wait for my first game. I was looking into this NASO thing. Can someone explain it to me, and is it worth the subscription to?

Hey all! My name is John, and I'm new to umpiring. I'm 14 years old, and baseball is pretty much life for me. I've played baseball since I was 6, mainly as a catcher. Therefore, I have a love, or hate, for umpires. I've always wanted to try, and I recently finished umpire school. I'm technically OHSAA certified, even though my age won't allow me to umpire high school. I just thought that would be a good place to learn, and I feel like I'm ready for the job. I'm going to be reading these boards a lot, and hopefully learn a little bit. Any advice? Where is a good place to buy gear? I've been recommended to buy the OHSAA starter pack, but I don't necessarily know a good place to buy that. Hoping my first game will happen soon!