Fast pitch gear

oppool · #1 (**permalink**) Wed Feb 07, 2001, 10:19pm

Hey guys I been doing slow pitch for the last couple of years actually called 400+ games last year. This year I want to get into doing some fast ball one of the other umpire friends has asked me to come into High School play. My question is about gear mask and chest protector mostly is it worth it to a try to buy top of the line gear or have you found out that middle to low cost gear is just as good. Anyway thanks for any info you can gave me.

Steve M · #2 (**permalink**) Wed Feb 07, 2001, 11:23pm

OP,
For high school ball, a chest protector called "The Ump" is pretty good. It's a softshell protector and pretty light. It takes a good shot. I use it for high school and college games. Get a good metal light weight mask. I'm just not sold on the composite masks as being durable. The composites cost a good bit more, too. I've also got "The Ump" leg guards. I'm going to go to a better leg guard, but have not decided which, yet.

SamNVa · #3 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2001, 12:03pm

Get a pair of plate shoes or at least steel toed shoes... right Joel?

Roger Greene · #4 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2001, 12:08pm

And don't forget the cup!!!
Roger Greene

Gulf Coast Blue · #5 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2001, 06:54pm

Honig's has the K1 (I think that it is the model.....it is also covers your stomach) which is great and a model called the collegiate........I know someone who has it that says it is much cooler than other protectors he has worn.

I have a pair of All Star shin guards that have thigh and instep protection.......I have taken some real shots off of them and never felt it.

And as Sam said.........don't forget the plate shoes!!!!

Joel
Formerly know as Gulf Coast Blue Toe

It still hurts sometimes and that was probably 8 months ago.

refjef40 · #6 (**permalink**) Sun Feb 11, 2001, 12:27pm

I agree with these comments because I was stupid enough to think when I started that its only softball i don't need a cup or steel toes.I found out the hard way on both with screaming foul tips!Just remember the only difference in hardball and softball is the size of the bruise.

Steve M · #7 (**permalink**) Sun Feb 11, 2001, 12:43pm

Yup,,,,, there ain't nuthin' soft about a softball. I got a buddy who got hit with a ball a couple of years ago. After $102k, he's still got more to have done to his finger. As I recall, this was with one of the lower core balls, too. Even at the 14&U age group, which is the youngest group that I umpire, I wear all the gear all the time. I'll admit to going to heavier gear in the men's game. But, I'm just not into pain.