834k3r

I'll ask the question: why in the wide world of sports was BU turning to look at first?

I'm considering a crease.

Mark me in the camp of patent leather too. I blame it on my military time (21 years). I see the umpire uniform as exactly that--a uniform. And I try to look as professional as I can when in uniform. Patent leather is part of it. Same reason why I have my plate shoes prettied up by Leather Luster. But if we're trying to offend each other for comedic effect, I personally think the Reebok Magistrate shoes look like a war crime. Point being, we all have a different sense of style and that's okay.

I've had that conversation with F2s in front of me. "I'm giving you some off the plate, but I won't give you anything over the batter's box." If I tell one team's F2, I tell the other. The comment about marked correctly is understated, but completely germane. There are times where the batter's box line is only a couple of inches from the plate, which reduces the amount of channel/river I give.

Sir, the next time you come into the U.S., we're going to need you to bring MacIntosh toffee and Old Dutch All Dressed chips for everyone. Keep the ketchup chips though--they're a war crime.

Yes, sir. I was merely citing the speaker (singer?) of the words.

Geddy Lee, 1980

Robin Williams' best movie, IMHO. And no offense taken. If I can think harshly about the Reebok Magistrates, you can think harshly about those Mizunos.

Mizuno Japan beat you to it, TMiB.

My skull cap. I use the AS Skully--and it is by and large sufficient for the task--but I think it could be improved in a few ways (looks, padding location).

These two gentlemen have solid opinions, and I tend to agree with them. I do diverge slightly on the accoutrements. Plate shoes - Mizunos. The Japanese model if you don't mind hitting up eBay. I actually find the standard width NB toebox too narrow, and the Mizunos are a huge improvement (YMMV). 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. Plate Brush - Japanese style. Once you've tried it, you won't go back. Base shoes - I've tried lots of options, but my NB are my favorite dry field shoe (though I'm going to get the Mizuno shoes that come out this fall). The adidas shoes are for wet fields, but the toe box is too narrow for every game use. Shirts and Pants - I won't go back to Smitty after wearing GD. Personal - OG Thighpro with a Nutty Buddy in the pouch.