umpstu

I agree! I remeber when the orginal Reebok magistrates came out back in 2009.... Going as far as to say they reminded me of this..... I said I wouldn't wear a killer whale on my foot...... A month later..... I found myself with 3 pair of them one that is still "New in Box" today. So I'll probably end up with several pairs of the Zig Magistrates. I agree with this to a certain extent. Back in the "Good Ole Days" +POS had their white logo proudly displayed, then Gerry Davis took it a step further with the shamelss promotion of his name on the back of his shoes, moving forward NB put the white N on their shoes, then Reebok hit the scene with the big white logos and the rest is history. However, the problem with the Zig's is that supervisors are speaking out against them. Regardless of if I like them or not if an NCAA Regional Supervisor says they have too much white, and the Regional Supervisors and Conference Coordinators select umpires for advancement...guess what??? This will filter down eventually. Obviously several state HS associations regulate "all black" --- can you say Hitler/Napoleon complex? I'm all for thinking outside the box and I'm not opposed to change. The issue with the black & white Zigs will be the white Zig. I know 2 years ago when the shoes were first made the NCAA rejected them for the CWS umpires because of the excessive white. I'm not saying they are right or wrong. Many times when fashion issues are brought up on here (tuck/no tuck, plate coat/LS jersey/jacket on the plate, etc) I have always said "Get the call right." That is my philosophy, but I don't get to make the rules and standards either. I think until they come out with a white logo/black zig, or an all black mid-top, you won't see them selling to the masses. Now...I could be wrong. I haven't seen them being worn yet. When you put leg guards and plate pants on over them it may minimize some of the white. That said, I will reserve judgment for now but will probably end up purchasing the all black low tops - the first low tops I will have owned since the +POS days. Exactly right. Get the call right. Other than a mask, I haven't purchased any protective equipment since 2000. Thank you West Vest. I do however buy new shoes nearly every year because you need them to give your feet the proper support. I sure wish they had these shoes in wide width. I'd buy them in a heartbeat. The everything needs to be all black, please don't try to dress me.

Sorry, I don't agree at all. Were steroids illegal in MLB during that time? Were they testing for it. I would have used it too. Throw Gaylord Perry and Phil Neikro out of the HOF for throwing the spitball. Hell, Neikro was caught with an emery board. Did Clemens ever get popped for steroids? Bonds? What about Don Mattlingly and Lee Smith? And Jack Morris, 14 opening day starts. Look at how baseball has changed in the pitching aspect. Are they going to keep a pitcher out because he doesn't have a tone of complete games? Not their fault that the game changed and the bullpen plays a much larger role. The DH? Been around for a long time. When will they be recognized?

I have Glock. Me have Chest Protector. Win-Win Now that's funny

56' curveballs? Seen plenty of college catchers take 56' 85 mph fastballs trying to protect me. I haven't purchased one yet, but I will in the near future. I have communicated with Jason a number of times and he says if he didn't believe in it he wouldn't be endorsing it. I have seen them in action and they can take a shot with the best of them. Also thin enough that it looks like you're not wearing one.

I use McDavid and have had nothing but good use from them. The floating cup works great and they offer a lot of support.

I wear McDavid tights with the floating cup holder and it holds the cup in the right spot. The Smitty's and McDavid's with the sewn in cup holder are useless for the cup on the plate. As soon as you squat down your junk falls out, completely unprotected.

Had my first plate game of the year today. Took one off the inner part of my upper thigh, one off my left arm, and one on off my mask (which is new this year -- what a way to break it in). When I got home and told the wife about my arm, she gave it a kiss. I said "And I got hit here, too," while pointing at my inner thigh. She laughed and said "Yeah, right!" I think I'll try that

Too funny, man

Agree. Also kind of keep your mouth shut and your ears open. I ran my mouth too much and it screwed me. I didn't realize it until starting medications for ADHD. It doesn't hurt to find out the schedule of good D-1 umpires and watch them work. Even lower level minor league umpires can teach you something when you watch them. As far as clinics go, try to do one every year if possible. Just find out what the level of the clinic is before committing to it. Ask around about the instructors. Congratulations and most of all, have fun. It actually gets easier because the level of play is better, for the most part.

Brother Umpire, I have had a West Vest since 2000.I umpire college and high school and I also had open heart surgery in 2008. Believe me, that West Vest can take some shots. As we speak I have a new West Vest Gold and the Unequal on the way. I'll let you know, but you can't go wrong with the West Vest. And welcome to the zipper club.

I have also been using it for wuite a few years and never knew it was called the GD stance until lately. All I know is that it is locked in and extremely comfortable. And if you get hit what does it matter how you stand. Just don't rub it.

Went through school in 1996. Had one year under my belt and had even umpired at the college level. Have your mind like a blank slate and listen to everything your instructors tell you, especially Jim Evans. I have had the priveledge of speaking with him on a few occasions and he is a very good man. Good luck to you.