NWA_UMP
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Everything posted by NWA_UMP
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Are the New Smitty Performance Polyspandex the Next New Umpire Pant?
NWA_UMP replied to JimKirk's topic in Umpire Equipment
Smitty Poly Spandex pants...or as Kyle calls them "golf pants". The majority in our area use the Davis poly pant. I don't like the way they feel or look. If fading is an issue I will opt for the PolyWool from either Smitty or Davis. I like the idea of a pant with a little give and a lightweight fabric for when the heat picks up. -
Are the New Smitty Performance Polyspandex the Next New Umpire Pant?
NWA_UMP replied to JimKirk's topic in Umpire Equipment
Reviving this thread. Has anyone noticed fading after season 1 of use? I purchased a set of pants from Honigs, Ultimate poly, and after one season of use both the base and plate pants were showing significant fading. In fact, the fading was bad enough I had to replace them after one season. I expect things to fade in the sun, but these pants turned to a brown-ish then pink-ish just like Heather pants do. -
http://www.purchaseofficials.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=3111 Here is what I am currently using and I love them. Cushioning is solid and the gripe on grass and dirt is very good. My NB lasted 1 season of baseball and football and they had to go, cushioning broke down and were hard as a rock.
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Link.... http://m.mlb.com/video/v1470579383/pitbal-cervelli-shaken-up-exits-the-game/?query=Francisco+Cervelli
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I took the removable pads pads off of mine. I did sort of the same thing with regards to the shoulder caps except I used the straps that hold/adjust them to cover the gap. I shortened the front strap and it pulls the caps around so it won't slide back. Love mine, great coverage and it NEVER moves!
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Mr Ump...got to let us know how you like the new NB plate shoes...they look sharp!
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WOW...that's a lot of clothes...
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Wolfe_man Here is my take...I don't like the restriction that comes with a jacket. I wear a long sleeve shirt behind the plate if its cold. We had temps that dropped into the low 40's last night before we completed our high school game. I had a short sleeve shirt on under by CK long sleeve shirt and I was comfortable work the dish. Now my arms were cool/cold at times but my core was warm and I was sweating. I have worn Cold Gear under the LS shirt before if it's windy and raw to help hold the heat. I just find the typical umpire jacket causes me to do 2 things: 1 sweat, 2 freeze. I have never used the new Thermabase type jackets as I use the coolbase jacket with layers under and have found I'm usually good in most any condition. I would struggle to see myself using a thermabase on the plate...i might die of dehydration before the game is over!
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My system probably won't work for you as I don't use a bucket...Diamond frame w/Team Wendy's installed and a 6" throat guard
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I have the Pro Nine 36" bag. I have a plastic container that fits nicely in the bottom with has "soft" goods in it, keeps 'em clean and organized. Plate shoes fit right next to it and they are in a shoe bag. Top section on the end where shoes I guess are supposed to go I have hats and belt. Then I have the large compartment for my All Star System 7 CP, Wilson SG, Mask and a small portion sectioned off by a divider for base shoes and cups. Brushes, lineup holder, sunglasses, etc all go in the top flap in pockets. I have all my cleaning supplies in a Finnerty Bucket for easy use and I have a bucket cover w/backpack type straps on it to carry....
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Wow...he said foam roller!
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Like I said...the only complaint I have HEARD was from A DAVIS guy that they were too dark. My son umpires and we purchased a pair for him this year for the plate. I was curious about the fabric and the fit...color wasn't a big issue unless your association mandates a certain brand of pants, every brand looks different. I was very impressed with the fabric and the fit for my son was spot on. I was so impressed I will probably pull the trigger on a game set of base/plates rather than the PWD I was going to order...unless Smitty busts out the new PW version in a better fit model similar to the poly/spandex mix they are currently sending out. That MIGHT change my mind....
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Hence the reason I don't use Davis pants.
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Only complaint I have heard was from a Davis Guy...pants that is. He felt they were too dark...almost black. Most guys in my association wear the Davis pants...I don't like the of the fabric or how narrow the base pants fit. Plus they seem to fade really fast. I didn't really notice a difference between the two pants(Davis/Smitty) as we had guys wearing both.
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Sunshade on all frames, I can tell a difference in full sun with regards to the amount of shade it provides. Suns out, sunglasses on, period...end of story. I hate to squint to see better. Glasses help me relax my face behind the plate which helps with neck muscle tension during a game. With glasses on and relaxed eyes I feel I can see the ball better plus it helps protect my eyes from dirt or mud getting into my eyes. I am even considering putting clear lenses into my ESS frames for night games when I need protection from dirt and dust. It's amazing how much crap gets pushed into your face while working the plate.
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I have the Black Majestic and love it. I only use it for base work however. I ordered down a size as I use a LS shirt with cold gear behind the plate and I knew the jacket was sized for plate work. I no longer carry an umpire jacket with me, I use the Majestic. Typical umpire jackets/coats just make me sweat but don't have any thermal properties...unless you go with the Therma-base zip ups...That may be in my future but for now, I just layer up under the Majestic.
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Are the New Smitty Performance Polyspandex the Next New Umpire Pant?
NWA_UMP replied to JimKirk's topic in Umpire Equipment
I was not a fan of the Smitty pants I purchased some years back. Construction was top notch but the fit was terrible. No room in the thigh and seat...even the plate pants were tight and i couldn't even use them on the pads they were so narrow in seat and thighs. BUT, with free returns...as a more athletic fit...I need pants this year and was going to pull the lever on Gerry Davis PW's...this might be worth a look... -
Hats...buy new ones...I do every year. During season I will wash them at least 2-3 times...into washer with my pants, shirts mask pads, shin guard pads, System 7 CP pads...detergent and a little disinfectant in the load, does wonders. After every use I spray and wipe down the hats with a disinfecting spray to remove salt stains and sweat, dry them in garage away from sun to help with fading.
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I routinely tell the "warmup" catcher, you take no more than 4 pitches and you are calling balls in on your way to the dugout if the starter isn't out here before you get to 4. I hate it when teams drag out of the dugout to take the field. Couple more little things: Full count with two closed fists Check swing and appeal for check swing with the wrong hand guys who go outside the fence to stop chirping guys who complain about the assignment they have while working you with you...think about that one for a second guys who mix rules codes and don't care that they do it guys who wear plate hat backwards guys who don't keep uniforms in decent shape, depending on ball they call, faded, picked, stained, wrinkled, etc The last point is one that has a fine line. I wear a couple pair of pants for USSSA tourney ball that I would never wear for a high school, college, showcase, SBR, Men's League or the like. They are too faded for a good first impression...not a huge issue for USSSA ball.
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Don't hold your mask by the strap Don't allow players/coaches to throw baseballs to you - personal pet peeve...YMMV Don't be the "guy" that wants to talk between every inning Count warmup pitches: 8 for new guy, 5 for used guy...keep game moving Wash your plate hat if it has salt stains or at least clean it More food for thought...
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I don't have that issue with the laces on my NB...I have boot laces waiting to place the crappy NB laces before they ever hit the field! I have had 3 pair of NB plate shoes and the laces broke on the first two mid way through season one...not taking that chance again...new shoes, new laces.
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The group I belong to in Northwest Arkansas we use CCA for all of our games. When a new member joins they are given a CCA manual and told that is the expected mechanics to work for all games scheduled through the association: High School, Legion, Sr Babe Ruth. Since most of us are also UIC's for local leagues we use CCA for all of our recreational leagues as well and that includes USSSA tourney ball. This simplifies the process for guys who work multiple leagues and rule sets. As a group we cover mechanics in our chapter meetings to keep everyone on the same page.
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I have a pair of combos and I have never worn them behind the plate, I only use for the bases. The problem with combo pants is "most" guys look like the squeezed their shins into them and the pants don't drape properly. That is the one critique I give to most new guys coming up through our High School ranks. Buy plate pants and leave the combos for weekend ball(USSSA, Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth, Pony, etc) As weird as it sounds I buy my base pants one size larger than plate pants...I have have thick thighs and a rear end. I was an offensive lineman and still carry that body after 25 years. Field pants are slimmer cut and I just need the extra room in seat and thighs to be comfortable.
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I purchased two pair last year to finish off the season and for a SBR Regional that I was working. I have used Gerry Davis exclusively to this point but was tired of the horrible fading those pants are experiencing. I have one plate and one base and I like them. The fabric washes well, they hang nicely while wearing, have a travelers crease so they always look pressed and the expander is great. The only thing I wish I had done differently is buy one size larger. I have large thighs and that one size up would have given me a bit more room in the seat and leg area...other than that, will probably buy again. Oh, they are made in U.S. of A!
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I kinda like it, solid front piece with gap coverage. The issue I see is it might take a while to relax and conform to the curve of your shoulders.
