celt62

My order status 3 days later is... Awaiting Fulfillment. They must be checking Ebay!

I looked at the $50 indicators and I have to admit I was tempted... I'm holding out for the electronic ones that I can put on the same lanyard as my stopwatch. I printed everything up including individual descriptions with prices just in case they try to screw me. Which from the sounds of it they probably will.

Out of curiosity I went on www.apathletics.com to check it out. They must have a lot of mistakes online or fantastic prices. I purchased the Diamond umpire equipment bag on wheels for only $50 which is regularly $130+. I also purchased a Wilson platinum CP and the matching shins with coolmax lining for also only $50 each! I made sure I printed out my order and each individual item with description. I'm glad I did. The platinum CP and the other westvest they had are no longer on the site. I don't know if it was a one day sale but I took advantage. The bag and shins are still there at those great prices. I saved nearly $225.

Which rule? FED, NCAA, MLB ? I have read the rule. Unless the infield fly rule is in effect you have to give the fielder a chance at the ball without interfering. You have to get out of the fielder's way. As a matter of fact that very scenario is on some college and high school tests and OBR doesn't say anything different. Looking at the wrong rule or interpretation can cause confusion. You can find it in case books. Referee.com's college case book has that very play in it.

Intent has nothing to do with it. The runner has to get out of the way or it's interference. The only time he's allowed to stay on a base without interference is in an infield fly situation. It was a good call but he should have been banged for the interference as soon as contact happened.

I've always been an Armorall wipes or spray guy when it came to shining my shoes. I have also used on occasion leather furniture wipes from my local grocer. Last week I was doing a 22u game and noticed that I had run out of both. I tried something that I absolutely love. I happened to have a can of Armorall tire foam in my vehicle. I sprayed it on figuring my soles which are always difficult to clean are rubber like tires so what the heck. I came out with the best shine on both the hard to clean rubber and the leather upper. It even got the lace area which is also difficult. One coating with a sponge is all it took. It's fast and dries quickly. It also seemed to repel the dirt better too. Give it shot. You may like it.

I can't believe I found this. For all those that have associations that require gloss belts such as college and some high schools, you're going to love this price. It's on a law enforcement supply store called "Cops Plus". It's a 1.5 inch gloss belt made by Boston Leather for only $15.47 with sizes up to 54 inch with no up charge. Tough deal to pass up. I bought two for next season. The link is www.copsplus.com/dress.sportbelts.php.

I have shields on both of my masks and can't live without them. I have blue eyes which are really light sensitive and it helps tremendously. I've tried sunglasses and found I don't really need them because most day games the sun is above you at an angle and not directly at you. If the sun is staring you in the face you are obviously in a pitcher's park because that's right in the batter's face also and most parks aren't designed that way. I'm a 6 and 4 stitch guy for my plate hat. God bless you. How do you get your mask off without that 8 stitch popping off? All that can do that with an 8 stitch have a gift.

I don't have the link but if you go to the Sports Loft, go in to the associations section and it's on page 2 of the CBUA section.

The Sports Loft has nice ones in the CBUA section for $269.99. Black only and very well constructed.

I got my shoes today 12 4E. I didn't pay for overnight but that's how they arrived. I can't complain.

Good advice. Fitted hats are the only way to go. If you have a problem taking it off along with your hat do it in front of a mirror until it's right. Here's how I adjust my platinum cp. Most everyone adjusts it while standing up. The only problem is that you don't call balls and strikes standing up unless you're doing mat ball rec softball. Get a buddy and get into your plate stance and have your buddy adjust it while you're down there. You'll get a great fit that way and once it's where you want it get some athletic tape and tape the straps. You should only have to redo it maybe two more times the rest of the year.

I spoke too soon! It's now snowing and we're supposed to get 2-4. I should have known better by jinxing it like that. It's like saying to your partner in the 6th inning that the game is flying and you end up out there for another hour and a half...

They have new era and richardson hats also for $6.99. They even had my big head size both in mesh and wool. Isn't ump store part of Anaconda?

We don't have any scheduled up here yet just cage work and a few indoor scrimmages. Funny thing is that I'm in northern NY and we have no snow, just a few banks. We were spared this year. Usually we still have a 2-3 feet on the ground at this point. I can't wait to get out there.

The ump store has NB plate shoes for the cheapest that I've seen them. $89.95 plus 10% off when you use the code EARLY2010 (all caps). With shipping it comes out to be $97.53 with tax and shipping. I bought a backup pair at that price.

I have the platinum and would wear no other. To get around the slipping issue I just tape the straps like you would a set of football shoulder pad straps. I found a way to do the extension also. I bought an industrial roll of velcro from Lowe's and attached it to the bottom of the cp. I then bought an extension with plates for about $12 and it attaches to the velcro like a dream. I've had it there for two seasons and it has never required adjustment. Instant designer cp.

Thanks for the info. I bought my CCA two months ago off of Referee.com. I think it was $19.99 with free shipping. But if I'm going to get these "gifts" then I'll make sure I wait until next year.

I looked in to the official's locker room last year and almost bought it. I happened to be on The Sportsman's Guide website and in their camping section they had a portable shower. Same exact thing as the OLR but a little taller and wider (Thank God!). Still folds up into that circular carry bag also like the OLR at a cheaper price. It comes in black and other colors too. Check it out.

I just bit the bullet and did the $50 registration after paying $48 two months ago to eofficials. I've written eofficials several times about a partial refund because they never mentioned that they were going to end NCAA baseball and they've never replied. Go figure. I didn't see anything on the Arbiter site about receiving books or coupons so am I to assume that they are in the welcome packet? If I get the CCA manual, I'll know not to buy it next year. It is worth it if you do get all that is mentioned. Staring out the window at pouring rain and 55 degree temps in the northeast which means that nature is really messed up or baseball's right around the corner.

An ump buddy of mine got me in to girl's HS volleyball a couple of years ago after I had coached HS football for 19 years (I had enough). It's great. Girls don't complain, and you're always indoors. Plus it opened up the door for USA/Club level vb which I do winter weekends ($$$) until baseball starts. Sadly, don't expect the volleyball refs to be the same type of official as baseball. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of nice, decent people that do it and will help newbies out. Unfortunately they're in the minority in my experience, and few and far between.

Prices are as follows... $100 mandatory for D I (includes test) $50 for D II, D III (no test) $100 for JUCO and High School

I renewed on eofficials 5 weeks ago and I am out that money now because the only other baseball on it is a 2008 NFHS test. Not very useful. I wonder if I'll get a refund? LOL!

I wipe down the outside plastic with anti-bacterial wipes (wet-ones) and spray the inside with a generous dose of Febreeze. On my shoes I use Armorall wipes. They keep the dirt off and put a nice shine on them.

I saw the "locker room" and thought it was a great idea but kind of small. I just happened to be on the "Sportsman's Guide" website and in their camping section they have a portable shower. Same exact concept only it's twice the size with a zippered doorway. It spirals down in a nice little round bag also at the same price of $39.99. I should have grabbed two.