Just out of morbid curiosity...
 

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!

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 ;) :D.

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.

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 :D

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. :)

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

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? :D

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. :(

Admitting you have a problem is the first step :D:D:D:D
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.

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

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

'Nuff said :D



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

I wore the balloon (raft) for a solo Senior LL double-dipper on a hot summer day a few years back. My assignor let me borrow his old foam rubber protector because this league was notoriously bad at playing baseball. I saved myself a lot of bruises that day, as I was pummeled mercilessly by uncaught pitches nearly every inning of both games. I am also glad I was never assigned this particular league again.

Right. Cooper's stuff, I forgot that. Cooper got a bad rap for no reason as ump stuff. I remember they had one of the first adjustble batting helmets, excellent idea for kids baseball.

I wear several different vests and shins and shoes, depends on level of play, wet/dry grounds, etc. How about you?

on the VERY rare occasion i do anything 12yo or under, i always use the raft since it's like a firing squadron back there. might as well give me a blindfold and a cigarette while i'm at it.