Just out of morbid curiosity...

[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.

[Bassman]

Admitting you have a problem is the first step
Be that as it may, I'm still primarily an inside umpire, use a hardshell protector (ITech ump3000 to be specific) and have had very few problems. This was a unique situation where I had to "old school" it.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by Bassman

Admitting you have a problem is the first step

That's the problem, I have so many first steps.

Be that as it may, I'm still primarily an inside umpire, use a hardshell protector (ITech ump3000 to be specific) and have had very few problems. This was a unique situation where I had to "old school" it.

The Itech stuff, I haven't found it locally, is it good? Is it Mizuno off brand?

[Bassman]

Originally Posted by fitump56

That's the problem, I have so many first steps.

'Nuff said

The Itech stuff, I haven't found it locally, is it good? Is it Mizuno off brand?

Actually, it is a division of Cooper, and yes, my Itech has been serving me very well, thank you.

[Delaware Blue]

Originally Posted by fitump56

The Itech stuff, I haven't found it locally, is it good? Is it Mizuno off brand?

If I remember correctly, ITECH used to make the Gerry Davis Chest Protector and maybe even the Gerry Davis shin guards (both now made by Wilson). As far as I know, ITECH is out of the umpire equipment business - at least under their own brand name.

I found a bunch of ITECH stuff on a liquidation site two or three years ago and ordered several ITECH masks and Ump3000s for a local Little League. The ITECH Ump3000 was selling for $15 and originally had sold for as much as $85. The masks were a fairly light weight single bar with vinyl/fabric pads. They were going for $10 and probably worth three or four times that price. I remember seeing an ITECH helmet on one or two sites.

[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.