Howdy all & I've got a question

[Big Red]

I've been out of umpiring for a few years and getting back into it this season here in South Texas. Have really enjoyed reading the posts here and have received some great insight on anything from equipment, to calls, to technique. Appreciate everyone's support and interaction here, and look forward to getting to know everyone.

On to my question...

After reading alot about the Honigs Poly-Wools here, I drove up to Honigs in C.S. and tried a pair. Needless to say, I was very impressed and bought 2 pair. It wasn't until I got home to wash them that I noticed the "Dry Clean Only" tag inside.

Now, being a "domestically challenged" type, I remember from way back my mom cleaning 100% wool items at home, hence the bottles of Woolite! Just not sure w/ these being 75% polyester/25% worsted wool.

On one hand, I don't look forward to having to go to the dry-cleaners every week and waiting to get them back, not to mention the cost. On the other, obviously I don't want to ruin 2 pair of expensive pants!

Anyone have any experience/recommendations concerning washing their Poly-Wools at home?

Many thanks ya'll!

[kcfan102]

Welcome to the light side...

ump_24 is right, Brian is pant expert on here.

[actvii]

Welcome back Big Red -- can't wait to hear your input

[Big Red]

Thanks everyone...I greatly appreciate it!

Ya know, when I saw your reply ump_24, I laughed pretty good as it brought back one of my first "umpire memories."

I coached in this area for several years before umpiring...after having played thru high school and getting screwed by one guy over a batting out-of-order issue (caught while the batter was still at bat...shoulda had the correct batter up & assumed count...he called BOTH of them out!!!), I really dove into the rule book. I became the bane of more than a couple umpires, and had one throw me out of a game just for bringing the rule book on the field! A couple years later, after helping out on the bases at a tournament when they were short on umps, I got hooked so to speak...plus, I'm one that believes if you don't like it, do something about it, so I got certified.

The next year, we didn't have enough kids for a team, so I umpired full-time. Did well enough that I got picked to umpire the tournaments.

I'll never forget walking into the clubhouse for the umpires at that first tournament. There were a few guys I'd had "discussions" with previously during games and one of 'em, a guy who had thrown me out of a game before said, "Well, well, well...look who turned to the dark side." Of course, it was tongue-in-cheek and brought about some good laughs that helped break the ice.

Anyway...

I appreciate the help and the welcome.

Ump_24, I sent a msg to Brian about the pants and he confirmed what you said...the Poly Wools can be cleaned at home...basically wash and dry on permanent press/low settings.

Look forward to chatting with you all...take care and wish you all a good season!

Robert

[mstaylor]

I had a HS manager arguing a losing argument,batter swung at a pitch and got hit on the hand, and he told a kid in the dugout to bring him a rulebook. I told him that wasn't going to end well for him. I told him I had made the interpretation, correctly, and it wasn't changing. I also told him he could protest if he liked bu he was not bringing a rulebook out on me. The look was priceless and he wanted to know why not. I told him if he brought a rulebook out he was leaving.

[Big Red]

Well, if you're talking chewing tobacco, Levi Garrett is my choice. But, yes...I do chew Big Red gum and love the drink Big Red, which is part of the reason for the nickname.

Yeah, as far as the rule book goes, the guy tossed me for simply having it in my pocket when I came out to base coach!!! Didn't pull it on him...he saw me adjusting it in my pocket when I came out and said, "Oh no you don't, you're not bringing that rule book out here," then tossed me!!! I was dumbfounded. He had a HUGE attitude...always looking for an argument...threw another coach out just for looking him down. Our league finally got rid of him.

But, it's great to be back in the mix...or in the jungle as you put it!

[mstaylor]

Welcome to the site and the avocation.