Used the balloon today

[Bassman]

Your chest protector (like I said, i'm certifiable )

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by waltjp

Garth, where are your forearms that they're not exposed?

I didn't say they weren't exposed, I said they were protected.

I place my hands on the side of my thighs and tuck my elbows in toward my body, this places the primarily the under side of my forearms and upper arms, the fleshy part, facing forward. It also places the inner part of my elbow forward. Bony structures are not at risk to hits.

I never said I never got hit. I said the what really needs protection is protected.

Obviously there are certain trade offs. I mean, hell, if you want total protection wear a suit of armor or stay home.

I am as protected as I need to be and I have mobility and flexibility to properly perform my mechanics and make calls at home, third, where ever I need to make them.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Bassman

Your chest protector (like I said, i'm certifiable )

I own a West Vest Gold and the original Douglas West Vest. I will be purchasing the All American Pro and hopefully, the Carlucci this off season.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by GarthB

I didn't say they weren't exposed, I said they were protected.

I place my hands on the side of my thighs and tuck my elbows in toward my body, this places the primarily the under side of my forearms and upper arms, the fleshy part, facing forward. It also places the inner part of my elbow forward. Bony structures are not at risk to hits.

I never said I never got hit. I said the what really needs protection is protected.

Obviously there are certain trade offs. I mean, hell, if you want total protection wear a suit of armor or stay home.

I am as protected as I need to be and I have mobility and flexibility to properly perform my mechanics and make calls at home, third, where ever I need to make them.

Sounds about the same as I do. I thought maybe you knew some secret that had escaped me.

[Rcichon]

Any of you use the McDavid cushioned undershorts? The one with the octagonal cushioning system? Hexpad I think they call it.

Thinking about buying one or two. Thigh bruising hurts too.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Rcichon

Any of you use the McDavid cushioned undershorts? The one with the octagonal cushioning system? Hexpad I think they call it.

Why would they call it "hexpad" if it's octagonal?

[Blue37]

Originally Posted by Rcichon

Any of you use the McDavid cushioned undershorts? The one with the octagonal cushioning system? Hexpad I think they call it.

Thinking about buying one or two. Thigh bruising hurts too.

I have them. It is hard to judge the level of protection. It is still painful, but I have not been bruised while wearing them, but I do not know if it is the pads or I just have not had a direct hit.

The downside is the heat. They are very hot.

[Rcichon]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Why would they call it "hexpad" if it's octagonal?

Thank you for that..............

[UmpLarryJohnson]

Originally Posted by Bassman

Garth, only problems are that the forearms, upper thighs, and the collarbone areas are still exposed

if you dont' care for it--quit.

[JRutledge]

All the sports I work there is a possibility to get hurt. I can say I know more football officials that have been leveled than anything I have ever heard on the baseball diamond. Even if you use a balloon protector, you still could get hit by a baseball if you are not behind the plate or get hit with another object.

If you want to avoid getting hurt, be a volleyball ref. Even they could have a ball flying at them.

Peace

[waltjp]

Volleyball?! Are you crazy, man? Do you know how high that platform is?

[Tim C]

"Talking to a coach today and he said that there has been talk at the collegiate and professional levels regarding returning to the balloon because umpires are getting sick of being used for target practice."

Your source is wrong.

There have been no conversations at any level to change back.

After reading this outlandish statement I left voice mails for 6 MLB umpires and 2 Collegiate Commissioners.

The best voice mail that I got back (#5) said:

"Tee, where do you get this crap? -- there is no such conversation in process."

Regards,

[CO ump]

Originally Posted by Tim C

[After reading this outlandish statement I left voice mails for 6 MLB umpires and 2 Collegiate Commissioners.

The best voice mail that I got back (#5) said:

"Tee, where do you get this crap? -- there is no such conversation in process."

Regards,

I concurr

I left messages for 1 MLB commissioner and 5 MLB owners.
The 2 best ones I got back said:
"Who the he!! are you?" and
"Don't call here again"

I figure that means there's no such conversations taking place.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by CO ump

I concurr

I left messages for 1 MLB commissioner and 5 MLB owners.
The 2 best ones I got back said:
"Who the he!! are you?" and
"Don't call here again"

I figure that means there's no such conversations taking place.

Now I know I know you.

[Tim C]

"I left messages for 1 MLB commissioner and 5 MLB owners.
The 2 best ones I got back said:
"Who the he!! are you?" and
"Don't call here again""

Does anyone know if there is a limit to the number of "Ignore" slots?

Regards,