Well, the elderly uncle of a friend of mine spent a week in the hospital back in the fall. The bill was $99,000.

The year that guy was born, you could have <i>built</i> a hospital for $99,000.

The price makes me wonder whether the hospital was having a special sale that week.

"That's right, folks, a full week for only $99,000! Don't wait! Call 1-800-LOW-COST right away."

In 1993, my daughter spent a week in the hospital with osteomyelitis. That bill was $24,000. Six more weeks on intravenous antibiotic at home cost another few thousand.

That's a lot of games to ump.

[Edited by greymule on Mar 3rd, 2005 at 12:30 PM]

I use the allstar helmet with the steel cage. Paid $110 and will never use a regular mask again. Yeah a little load when hit but nothing that bad and never been hurt. I took one shot that slightly bent the steel cage and was ready for the next pitch as if nothing ever happened.
I have the gray wilson chest protector and a cooper ump1000 that I flip flop. Have taken serious shots to all both and never felt a thing. I got the wilson for about $95 and the cooper I got on EBAY for $62 with shipping (they are usually around $100-110). So I spent about $270 for all 3 and am perfectly safe.

Thanks All for your advise!

I ended up spending my birthday and Christmas gift money in an hour.

I ended up getting the Gerry Davis High Top Patent Leather Plate Shoes, the West Vest Platinum, black and blue pro mesh fitted combo hats, black Major League shirt, another pair of Combo Pants because my other ones faded last year and an UMP T-shirt.

Now the only thing I have to get is the Black Major League Jacket and Blue Jacket. When does it all end?

My wife is gonna kill me! LOL

I hope you have a navy shirt.

long and short sleeve navy shirt
 

My WV just got here and I don't like the way it fits. Is very tight near the armpits because of that padding there. I tried to make an out call or strike call and the friction almost started a fire.

Anyone else have that problem? Will it loosen up with wear?

Any suggestions besides sending it back?

Thanks for your suggestions!

Mmmmm,
 

I suggest you read the following thread:

http://www.umpire.org/modules.php?na...ewtopic&t=1533

How ironic
 

Thanks Tim!