concertman1971

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!!

thank you @The Man in Blue for the shout out. Yes, the short sleeve compression will help you keep cool on those hot days! Also check out https://tat2x.com/collections/full-arm-sleeves I have worn the full sleeve "suntan" color ones for years. UPF50 keeps the sun off your skin without the use of sunscreen.

In all my years of umpiring, I have blocked 2 people. TWO. Both of them very well could have been the guy you are talking about...........................

Hey all, If you want pieces of XRD I can sell you pieces of XRD....foam that gets hard on impact. Email me tim@thighpro.com for more info.

I can not speak for all foams (big Yellow W, TW, AS, GD, ETC) but i know that for ThighPro there is "Temperature Resistance" testing done by the company we purchase our product from. Here is what they say: Recommended Constant Use, max. 90°C (194°F) Recommended Intermittent Use, max. 121°C (250°F). Even in the hottest summers in So Cal, it doesn't get to 194!! Not saying that is does/does not degrade in heat, but this company supplies foam to the Aerospace, Automotive and Government industries, so the performance in temp is critical to them. PS Please dont put your ThighPro in the dryer!!

im sure @DerekGDShas some input on this.....

When I say enragement=engagement....... https://www.facebook.com/reel/2410678622729373 or https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYRCcHKBtSo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Here is the sit: R1 R2, <2 out. B hits a shot to left center that has a better chance of putting a hole in the fence than being caught or leaving the yard. Pu is on a dead sprint to 3b on the crack of the bat. U1, (this guy) takes 2 steps in to trail BR to 2b, and HOLY $h&#!!! PU is not staying home!!! Sees touch at 1b and sprints for the plate. R2 touches, R1 is waved, and HOSED. Read the comments. LOL PS, Ms ThighPro made the post on IG and FB, I had no say...

I HIGHLY recommend picking one up if you have not already.

Like the old school term "if it bleeds, it leads"...the new term is "enragement is engagement". Think of the accounts you guys are mentioning, they all get our collective goats with uniforms, "clickers"(sic) in the wrong hand, hats backwards, poor or often completely incorrect mechanics, etc. We are enraged, so we engage. While ThighPro has the probably the largest following and biggest reach of any on this platform, I as an umpire, have to be cautious of what I share. I would love to be miked up for a weekend tournament with a camera crew filming (stay tuned for this, as it may happen this summer). Am I at a stage in my career where I am ready to give up Pro Ball in the summer? Am I done "chasing" D1 baseball assignmentsor a D2/3 World Series? If so, then the idea of having a camera crew follow me is a real possibility. But until I am done with my "career" I have to be aware of the repercussions of going on Social Media. While I appreciate what Max is saying, its more (to me) about are you willing to have lesser umpires chastise your every move? Umpires on line are the absolute WORST. Move left, should have moved right. Safe?? He should have been out. Its not just about scripts and proper set up, its are you willing to enrage, so that people enage?

@tpatience has entered the chat

Tell me you are over the age of 55 without telling me...................

In the 20ish years of umpiring, I have blocked 2 people. They were just insufferable to work with. If I have to spend 3 or so hours with you, i want to at least sort of enjoy that time. Block, move on, keep calling strikes.

@MadMax @umpstuet al..... So I have been in communication with Raudel over at govrnwear@gmail.com or if you are on IG @govrn_ He takes 2 pair of shoes, and matches the sole of one to the upper of the other. Check out his work https://govrnwear.com/ He says he can take my New Old Stock Reebok Magistrates and marry a new Nike golf sole to it. The thing you have to provide is both pair of shoes, and apprx $200 to have him do the work. I have a pair of Nike Golf on order, and will send him the Nike/Reebok combo. Stay tuned

Had a similar play this past weekend. 3 man, R2, R3 1 out, so U1 was inside. Fly ball down the RF line, clearly in foul territory and a chance to be caught at the fence, with the potential of the fielder going over. I couldn't completely vacate home and get as close to the wall as I would have liked, but got as much as I felt I could, saw the catch, U3 got the tag, and R3 scored without a play. Just one of those, have to trust your instincts and only take what the play gives you.

Can confirm these are beautiful...............................

I may have a couple. did a large pre-order for the Mets and waiting to see what is left. Will let you know!

When U2 has a hit and gets an award, I believe they are awarded a Grammy I will see myself out.

Both pair in my size. No yellowing, Tags still on the one pair. good LAWD they are comfy. (PS, ordered the Mizunos when they were on sale in case these do indeed fall apart)