concertman1971

I wanted to do some "sky blue" mocks to match the new MLB black shirts, but matching that color is TOUGH

@MadMax to be fair, these were MLB only issue................

She's a beaut Clark!!

I spit out my morning coffee reading this! Thanks Max

when UPS delivers them, @bluetick48 will be the proud owner of these pads. Enjoy them!!!

Yes, I always want to get to the 45, OR AFATPA (As Far as The Play Allows). However, my keen baseball knowledge will tell me that a 2 hopper hit to f4 with no one on tells me to use economy of motion. Trail the runner, but understand that sprinting to the 45 adds nothing to the game. IMO, the guy who blindly sprints to spots is telling me that he is inexperienced. That same keen awareness also knows that a slow roller hit to f5 who is charging hard and throwing on the run often pulls f2 off the bag and towards the runner. this means I am not blindly running to a spot, but rather UMPIRING and taking what the play gives me, while reading the actions of the fielders. I may have to stay longer for fair/foul, there may be some action by f3 coming off the bag early as he reads an errant throw. Does BR slide at the last minute? Is there OBS? Plays on the infield are many times the plays where we get paid. Read the play, react to the play, make the call. Just my $0.02

Something like this?

Haven't pulled the trigger yet. Size of the Nike sole and the toe box didnt match up with the Reebok. May work better depending on the size you have.

I had a call with this company last week https://getmicdup.com/ Their platform is pretty amazing, and I think it would be a great tool for umpires to use in-game for evaluation of partners as well as self-evaluation. The mic saves the audio and then you upload it to your phone/computer when the game is over. It will transcribe the words for you and you can then share clips/games/situations with colleagues. Would love the group thoughts on something like this. With the HS "no mic/camera" rule for players, do you think this would be allowed?

Im sure when the State org Heads and assignors are not 60+ and stop using the "back in my day" phrase like its a Biblical quote, creased hats, patent shoes, all black ONLY requirements, and (sorry @MadMax) NAVY shirts will all but disappear. Look at any younger (below 35) umpire out on a field. They are not creasing hats (unless pressured by those 55+ guys) and they certainly aint wearing patent leather shoes. Sh&*t, even softball is coming around on the pant color! I am at an age and a space in my career that I wear what is comfortable. Nike Golf shoes with the FORBIDDEN white logo on the bases, and whatever plate shoes I have in the car on game day. Just look at the 50th anniversary of Referee Magazine. The advertisements in that thing CATERED to the 55+ crowd, but articles were written about the "aging out of officials" and the "lack of officials". Im guessing the marketing departments at these places are the same Old Heads (for you Old guys, thats what the young generations calls you, and they most definitely mean it with all of the respect you think it carries) that run the state orgs.

Need to add Belt- Pioneer Belt, patent or regular, gold or silver buckle. They make their belts with the holes in 1/2" increments so those hot days you can tighten it in the later innings, and if you are bundled up with multiple garments tucked in you can let it out a half. lifetime warranty (and we KNOW umpires like wearing the same thing for a lifetime!! 😄). Family owned company. USA made. Get one, you wont be disappointed.

Here is my takes on what @834k3r had to say. Differences in Orange. Plate shoes - Reebok Magistrates. Heaviest of any out there now, but comfort and feel is 10000% the best IMO Indicator - AS 4-dial cast metal. It's a bit heavier, but it's bulletproof, and with the notches I don't need to look at my indicator during a game. Ever. 100% agree Plate Brush - Japanese style. Once you've tried it, you won't go back. Took a bit to get used to, but I love mine. Base shoes - I converted to Nike Golf shoes a few years ago. Available in WIDE sizes, and many of them offer waterproof guarantees. The ones that do not are lightweight and breathable Shirts and Pants - I won't go back to Smitty after wearing GD. There is no substitute for GD shirts/pants. Personal - OG Thighpro with a Diamond MMA in the pouch. I am partial to the ThighPro, but always appreciate the recommendations!

Doesn't this wording imply that only 1st base can be the 18" pizza box?

FWIW, this is what my shoulder looked like after taking confirmed 96 uncaught. Yes I felt it. Yes i had to make sure my body was still intact, but limited bruising and little actual pain. YUP, I am referring to that almost unnoticeable red mark at the top of the shoulder.

Ummmmm Max, hate to say this but the (mid) 80s were 40 years ago!!