throat guard discussion

[LLPA13UmpDan]

Garth, talk about selfish and ignorant comment. Ok, if your going to be that way, I know how to umpire better then your son

[Dave Hensley]

Originally Posted by LLPA13UmpDan

Garth, talk about selfish and ignorant comment. Ok, if your going to be that way, I know how to umpire better then your son

I know Garth's son, Matt. Garth's son, Matt, is a friend of mine. Lieutenant Dan, you're NO Matt.

"Most folks at this site," which is the group Garth compared his son's umpiring skills to, have revealed a great deal about their umpiring experience and competence by posting on this site. Garth knows what his son's experience, professional training, and competence level is (as do I and some others here), and his conclusion that Matt knows how to umpire better than most folks on this site is, on the basis of empirical data, completely supported.

[LLPA13UmpDan]

but now do those of us around here brag about are umpiring abilities??/

[SAump]

Originally Posted by nickrego

I will say, that since I started using the GD, I get hit in the Throat Guard a lot less.

And I will also say, that until I started using the GD, I was considering wearing Forearm Guards. But in the GD, I get hit a lot less in the Forearms. But I still think they are a legitimate piece of equipment. Our Forearms are at great risk, and a very sensitive place to get hit. I know umpires who quit umpiring after taking a severe hit to the Forearm. And these guys aren't sissy's either.

You know, we are armatures, not professionals. We need to protect ourselves as best we can, so we can continue to support our families by our regular jobs. Getting injured during a $50 baseball game, that keeps us from working is not desirable, in any case.

I no longer leave my forearm exposed. I place the back of my hand in the small of my back. The most damage I have felt is a glancing blow to the upper arm. No more agonizing pain or loss of motion, no more lost feeling or numbness, no more swelling or bruising and no more worry about the hand or wrist. I worry about getting hit on the elbow bone, but I know that it will not absorb the full blow. I take comfort in knowing I did all I could do to protect myself, despite what others may think about the SA stance.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Garth,

I can't believe you could make a statement such as #3 (the first #3, that is). I know you're proud of your kid and all, but you have no idea how good most folks at this site are at umpiring, it is just your speculation in most cases. The statement smacks of pride, but is illogical at best. In fact, it should be categorized under your second #3.

Another amazing post.

Unlike some posts on the boards, this had nothing to do with pride, and everything to do with training and experience. Matt is not a 16 year old LL umpire. Matt, at nearly 22, has more professional training and experience at upper level tournaments, including state, regional and district play-offs in FED, Legion and MSBL than most 40 year olds. His accolades from observers include state clinicians, MiLB umpires and MLB umpires and, equally important to me, some umpires in a private list to which I belong, who also post here.

As regards my mention of "most folks" on this board, they present enough evidence about themselves to provide additional judgment.

If you choose to include yourself in my grouping of "most folks", that's up to you.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by LLPA13UmpDan

Garth, talk about selfish and ignorant comment. Ok, if your going to be that way, I know how to umpire better then your son

Originally Posted by LLPA13UmpDan

but now do those of us around here brag about are umpiring abilities??/

If you think you have enough of a command of the English language and can write competently enough for others to comprehend, and you actually have something to brag about in your career, feel free.

For starters, see if you can find a dictionary and look up the words, "are", "your", "then" and "homophone."

And, if your teacher is giving you anything above a "D" in English, also look up "grade inflation."

[PWL]

Originally Posted by LLPA13UmpDan

Garth, talk about selfish and ignorant comment. Ok, if your going to be that way, I know how to umpire better then your son

SanDiegoDan,

I suggest you let your Uncle Steve give you the proper training that he has received from all the pro school grads. Then perhaps you can lay such claim to this statement.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by LLPA13UmpDan

but now do those of us around here brag about are umpiring abilities??/

Some have the 'goods' to brag. Some desperately need to quit posting until they acquire some 'goods.'

Dan, again, I refer you to a site which may assist your quest in another area:

www.antimoon.com

[bob jenkins]

I find SDS's post about Garth's son highly ironic, given the way he first appeared on this board.

And, as much as I hate to close a thread shortly after I've posted, lest I be accused of taking the last shot, then running and hiding, I think I will.