Nice discussion...allow me to chime in from the humidity of Indiana (where it is currently 41 degrees and we're calling for 6 inches of snow tonight).
I grew up on men's fastpitch...guys were throwing in the mid 90's. I used to not wear a chest protector...because I was young and stupid. Started working the slot, and took a foul ball off the shoulder (near the trapezius muscle). It hurt worse than when I was shot several years later. The next day I bought brand new gear.
I now wear steel toe plate shoes with "side panels" as well, full shin guards, cup, chest protector (full chest protector, Honig's first version) and a mask with an extended throat guard. Wear the gear if you have it. I know it's hot (every try Indiana in July? 95 degrees and 100% humidity).
I'm 6'2" and pushing 300 pounds. I set up in the slot, and get hit usually at least once a game...depending on level. During a summer ASA tournament last year I lost 20 pounds from Friday morning to Sunday night. I drink a minimum of 4-20ounce bottles of water per game, and one between. I hydrate myself starting on Wednesday...no soda, no suds, just water and sports drinks. My students can always tell when I have a big tournament on a weekend, because out goes the Dr. Pepper bottle and in comes Gatorade. I try to drink at least 64 ounces of Gatorade and at least 40 ounces of water on Wednesday and Thursday before tournaments.
Last year at a 14U ASA National (I guess they ran out of good umpires to send, so they sent me) I had several parents from one California team ask me if I was okay. Tourney director forgot about water for my diamond, and I didn't get it until the 3rd inning. I was draining a 12 ounce bottle of water every half-inning, playing catch-up. I chugged two after the top of the 3rd. They said they have never seen an umpire drink so much water. That's just me. I'd rather have a slight "sloshy" feeling in the stomach instead of the thirst (which means you're done for).
I worked a tourney last year and the director asked me what diamond I was on for the first day. I told him, and there was an extra cooler of water on that diamond, with my name on it. Interesting how they get to know your habits, right?
When I UIC, I make sure my umpires have water...even if it means me getting it to them. No one at my tournaments has ever complained about not getting water. I wouldn't work for anyone who doesn't get the umpires water.
[Edited by FUBLUE on Mar 15th, 2004 at 04:01 PM]
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