Wilson titanium mask

[Rich]

Originally Posted by L.A. Umpire Guy

My skull, neck, face, eyes and brain are each worth a considerable amount to my family and me. None of us can afford to have any of those things damaged any more than they need to be in order that Dad here can go out all the time and watch these ballgames.

I piss away thousands of dollars each year on insurance that I never, ever use. This is a couple hundred (and the Shock FX is $200 more) for insurance that I have already used. I took a shot in the sixth inning of my first game wearing it. And I'll probably take a top of the head shot the first time I use the helmet in one of those bandbox cages they have at a lot of the LA city schools.

And the price of comfort is also considerable. These new masks and helmets are so lightweight and comfortable, it's almost indescribable.

You don't have to justify spending money you earn however you want. Some people umpire to see how much they can squeeze out of the bottom line. Others, like me, look at it as a hobby that happens to pay a few bucks, so it doesn't bother me to invest in top quality gear.

[L.A. Umpire Guy]

I truly gain much of the joy from playing, coaching and umpiring simply from acquiring, collecting and caring for my gear. I even invent stuff to make coaching or umpiring better. And I also love giving the gear I rotate out to others who can use it.

But when there's something in a mask or some shoes that is magnificent, cost just doesn't get in the way. I put those New Balance plate shoes on and I didn't care how much they were. Same with the titanium and Shock FX.

It is most like a hobby than anything. And it is a wonderful one. Good Lord, I just went to Malibu High on Sunday and called a twin-bill with a view of Zuma Beach and the Pacific beyond right field. It was 70 degrees and breezy, and I got to watch two ballgames from the best seat in the house. And when I get there, they pay for my gas and Sunday dinner for the family. Between innings on the bases, I stroll out to right field and just take in the ocean view.

What the hell else did I have going on? And what other hobby or avocation is more physically and mentally stimulating?