Used the balloon today

[Bassman]

I wanted to try out an outside protector in my game tonight. As it was, it worked out very well. My partner, who is my regular, said I was "comfortable" back there.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Bassman

I wanted to try out an outside protector in my game tonight. As it was, it worked out very well. My partner, who is my regular, said I was "comfortable" back there.

That reminds me of an old Myron Cohen story.

An older man from New York is crossing the street when he is hit by a car.

A crowd gathers and a man makes his way through to the victim. To his amazement the old man is conscious but still lying on the street.

"I'm a doctor," the man says, "Are you comfortable?"

The old man looks up and says, "Oh, I make a living."

[Bassman]

[Rcichon]

Emperors New Clothes....

[Bassman]

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.

[TussAgee11]

Well it certainly is safer. The switch to the inside protector happened well before my umpiring years, so I have an additional question to ask on top of Bassman's. Why did the balloon disappear in the first place, despite being safer than an inside protector?

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Bassman

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.

Haven't heard a word about this; and if my source was a coach, I wouldn't be paying any attention to it.

[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.