Minnz

We have been told the catcher is the one who needs to ask. If I am unsure I ask right away but in terms of being asked from the "outside" I tend to wait for the catcher or pitcher to ask for the appeal when I do not go. Too many so called coaches in dugouts and only HC can talk to us.

Yup that is where I say you had a mess up. Never ever saw things like that to a coach. Opinion has no place as an umpire. Out/Safe, Strike/Ball, Rule is right or wrong. Do not get into arguments on philosophy with a coach. Game is over leave the field with your partner.

By far the best pants I have worn. Waist and crotch are very comfy. I wear the combo for the field and plate behind the plate. Never had an issue. In fact they are the only ones that fit nicely with my shin guards. Still wearing the Rawlings Lobsters after all these years. Waistband is nice when having to tuck in a coact in cold weather.

Have you ever stuck around after a High School game to talk to a coach? If not, why would you do this in college?

I am not sure what is funnier the 3rd dtrike call. or the backwards hat, or untucked shirt, or backwards ball/strike count showing. WOW special!

New Mexico went to wood this year. So much easier to not deal witht his BESR/BBCOR mess.

Control the woman. A real man never admits to how much is spent. Use a credit card she has no sight of duh. Just like my poker funds, my umpire funds are not known to her. Remember whats hers is hers and whats yours is ours. Hence is she doesn't know about yours...it stays yours.

I think it depends on your role in your orginization. I think it depends if the other umpire asked you for your thoughts. Often time if it is two non-rookie umpires, I do not think you should give your opinion if not asked. UNLESS you are an evaluator for your group and that is your job.

Taslk talk talk. Who cares what you say? As long as you and your partner know what to say that is all that matters.

That is why you have an "official" book. Check with the scorekeeper for the count. Wow you put a lot of stock into the the "kid team manager" who is in the dugout keeping the home book. Good luck thinking they always know the count.

I have said it before I will say my 2 cents again. You earned the right to wear the coact if you bought it. Has nothing to do with skill or anything. I have been told by many people I am a high quality ump. Does that mean I should buy a plate coat? Not me. I like tradition in sports give me all the orginal 6 hockey games around. BUT, I think the coact makes you look stuffy and pretentious A nice black jacket looks good enough and is highly comfortable. I really get tired of people saying you have to earn wearing a coat. By that rule do you have to earn wearing jackets with the zip off sleeves because at one time MLB wore it? Do you have to earn the right to buy David pants of West Vest/Wilson CP? Why is the plate coat the holy grail of umpiring to so many people? If you want to plunk down the cash, then do so and wear it.

Some people really get all hooked up into what equipment we wear. You would kill me for wearing old school Lobster Shins I am guessing. Still the best guard EVER made and will not give them up until they rust to death.

He made a feint. Was not one fluiod motion. I got a balk on that one.

Just worked some of my first innings with the New NB 460. By far best shoe I have warn. I think Reebok doesn;t even hold a candle to them. Lighter and cheaper and bigger protection on TOP of the foot. I really liked my 450s but man this is amazing! Great value I feel as well folks.

Ok I may get yelled at here...but what is the big deal with the coat look? I actually think the nicer pull over look better in cold weather. I hate the look of a chest protector and big logo sticking out. Much cleaner with pull over in this day and age I say.

I have worn the shock doctor for a long time. I played hockey and wear the long ones for hockey but shorts for baseball. They have the most comfy cup pocket. I tend to wear the shorts and nothing else under or over them for best comfort.

The 350's are my favorite shoe to date. I was able to order mine at www.shoebuy.com Not a great site for sports shows but they have them there in stock.

I personally think for the price and quality the best is Smitty. DO not use combo pants they are too tight for shin guards. Buy a plate and a base and you will be very happy. As for color heather is a thing of the past. Darker is nicer.

I bought the Smitty felx pants this year and love them. Prefer them over the Honig's Poly Wools. They are much much cooler if you ask me, breath a lot better. And the stretch is nice. Stay away from combos though, not usually enough room for shins to look good under.

Pro mesh looks and feels great. Hey it does not look professional? We are amateur like the players :agasp_:

As a former catcher too and current umpire...I like the Shock Doctor.

Nothing will ever match GD color wise. That "special" green tone is unique to them!

I love the Smitty pants. I still think they are the best value out there. They breath very well even in warm weather.

Let me be clear. I am not saying do not take the mask off for umpires. All I am saying the mask was made to leave on ESPECIALLY for catchers. If it is all about safety why HS makes them wear the one piece, they should use them correctly is all. Seems dumb to now allow a two piece to be used.

995 are great shoes. Only thing I suggest is to get better laces. For whatever reason the umpire NB shoelaces nowhere near as good as NB regular running shoes etc. If you have a local NB store go in there, they sell their great laces.