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OK,
Steve:
Two points. One short one long . . .
1) The protector was donated to the Hall of Fame when Augie died (I think that was about 1990 but I don't really remember) it is in storage at one of their sites.
2) When wearing the balloon (actually is called "The Raft Protector" by Cece Carlucci) there is a long forgotten way to move around the infield to make calls.
It always seemed cumbersome to me to see a guy with a mask in his left hand, the indiclickercounter in his left hand and then try to make a big "SAFE" call with both arms, and raft, flying around.
In the mid-70's I was taught a "new" mechanic by an umpire named John Hand.
John said: "Tee, you make to big a deal about it, here's what you do."
John then proceeded to act like he was behind a catcher with R1 and a single to the outfield and a play developing at third base.
As John started towards third he threw the protector back against the fence and sprinted to third.
"See Tee," intoned the funniest guy in my association, "no problem!"
I went to his next game and, sure enough, that protector was tossed any time there was a possible play.
If MLB had seen this mechanic we may still be blessed with some wearing "The Raft."
Tee
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