Just out of morbid curiosity...

[Bassman]

Does anyone here (and I'm not joking about this question) still use the outside Balloon protector??

Some days I wish I did!

My dad still has one!

[Bassman]

On Tuesday, I had a CEBA game in Springville, NY and took a shot off my right shoulder just above my CP. My shoulder has still been tender today and I had to work three straight plate games in a NSA Fastpitch Tourney. Now, between games when I worked the bases, I asked the attendants if I could use one of the balloons that the house league uses for their LL games. Gotta tell you, it was indeed different and I now understand what AL umpires had to do "in the day". Managing a balloon protector truly is an art form .

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by rei

Some days I wish I did!

My dad still has one!

Does he? I'll bet it's worth a try one, if you haven't

Originally Posted by fitump56

Does he? I'll bet it's worth a try one, if you haven't

I did one game about 20 years ago with one. I remember feeling VERY safe behind it. But yeah, pretty hard to manage.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by rei

I did one game about 20 years ago with one. I remember feeling VERY safe behind it. But yeah, pretty hard to manage.

The balloon is hard to manage but back then/when, less mobility was expected of us and less protection was expected from F2. I was watching a history of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the catchers were 1 to 2 meters behind the plate.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by Bassman

Does anyone here (and I'm not joking about this question) still use the outside Balloon protector??

Haven't seen one in years. Great protection and as long as you don't have to run anywhere, a balloon and a mesh shirt sure would be cooler than packing in heat with a West Gold.

[Bassman]

Originally Posted by fitump56

Haven't seen one in years. Great protection and as long as you don't have to run anywhere, a balloon and a mesh shirt sure would be cooler than packing in heat with a West Gold.

Well, it was the first (and second, and third ) time I used one and I found out the sequence for ripping off the mask and protector is this:

1) remove mask with right hand and shift to left

2) remove right arm from right strap and tuck the protector under the left arm.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by Bassman

Well, it was the first (and second, and third ) time I used one and I found out the sequence for ripping off the mask and protector is this:

1) remove mask with right hand and shift to left

2) remove right arm from right strap and tuck the protector under the left arm.

Ah the bad/good ole days. Yessir, that's pretty much the protocol. I remember like it was yesterday, buying my first balloon, I was such a newbie, 12 or 13 yoa, cost like $10 (?), used it for years until my organization decided to be cool and go inside. Catcher's sand in sewn pockets protectors, I think. Sold my old balloon for $15. Profit, America is good

Worked games with no time limits, $6, $14 for a DH; worked 6-8 games on Sat/Sun in the Southern heat and humidity.

I don't know why I miss those times but I still do.

[Bassman]

Originally Posted by fitump56

Ah the bad/good ole days. Yessir, that's pretty much the protocol. I remember like it was yesterday, buying my first balloon, I was such a newbie, 12 or 13 yoa, cost like $10 (?), used it for years until my organization decided to be cool and go inside. Catcher's sand in sewn pockets protectors, I think. Sold my old balloon for $15. Profit, America is good

Worked games with no time limits, $6, $14 for a DH; worked 6-8 games on Sat/Sun in the Southern heat and humidity.

I don't know why I miss those times but I still do.

Well, as I said, I'll likely stay with the inside for the most part. The only times I may use a balloon are:

1) where I have an injury that may require the extra protection (like today)

2) lower level (60' basedpath) youth baseball.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by Bassman

Well, as I said, I'll likely stay with the inside for the most part. The only times I may use a balloon are:

1) where I have an injury that may require the extra protection (like today)

2) lower level (60' basedpath) youth baseball.

You use the balloon? No wonder so few respond to this thread. Good God (and He is), Man, do you want to wind up on an Ignore list?

Go for it. The balloon got retired because of st00pid fashion rules for umps when it can be an entiely appropriate protective device. It has its place and I, for one among very few sorry to report, applaud your independence of thought and courage to use and admit.

Gee, the balloon, I don't even have one, how sad.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by Bassman

Well, as I said, I'll likely stay with the inside for the most part. The only times I may use a balloon are:

1) where I have an injury that may require the extra protection (like today)

2) lower level (60' basedpath) youth baseball.

The inside protectors have progressed from catcher's gear to umpire specific gear. Add the HSM and you don't have too many "holes" where you can take a shot. Working umpires need to work, getting injured means no work. If you take a hit and it puts you out for a week, that could cost you $200 to $600 or more? The best equipment, regardless of whether it is an inside or outside, or HSM, is like income insurance.

[DG]

Originally Posted by Bassman

Does anyone here (and I'm not joking about this question) still use the outside Balloon protector??

I haven't seen one since early 90's, maybe 90 or 91.

[jkumpire]

I have probably done 400+ games with a guy who currently wears one. He has done HS state tournament and College BB with one, even in this decade. When you see him work, you can see the holes using an outside protector cause these days in your zone, but he is pretty consistent is his zone, and does a nice job behind the plate.

Last year he got a new one. He said he was buying his last one, I guess he's retiring in the next 5 years or so. I'll miss him when he's done.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by jkumpire

I have probably done 400+ games with a guy who currently wears one. He has done HS state tournament and College BB with one, even in this decade. When you see him work, you can see the holes using an outside protector cause these days in your zone, but he is pretty consistent is his zone, and does a nice job behind the plate.

Last year he got a new one. He said he was buying his last one, I guess he's retiring in the next 5 years or so. I'll miss him when he's done.

My goodness, no kidding, he may be one of a few left. Good for him. Where are these "holes"?