The last time I wrote about "an MLB umpire" doing such and such I was challenged for not being specific. This time I was specific and I am challenged for not being generic.

I'm sorry professor. I'll try to find a third method to communicate next time, one that might suit you better.:rolleyes:

Ump153,

The only thing wrong with naming a major league umpire in a post is that it makes people that don't know any major league umpires jealous of your association with said umpire. What we think is just being factual about having a certain conversation, or working with a certain big league umpire, etc., other people perceive as "name dropping," which is not necessarily the case. Every time I've ever mentioned a situation involving a MLB player or umpire I've officiated/worked with, I get a bunch of static from the peanut gallery, as if it's a sin to mention knowing these people personally. Some people don't know the difference between having acquantances and jock sniffing.

Tell that to NHL fans after Reebok redesigned all the jerseys (if you can find a hockey fan);)

I don't know; I would think most serious umpires would want the steel toe. But let's see what the feedback is after they've been on the market.

When someone makes a claim and refers to a source, it matters who the source is. Then it's reasonable to "challenge" the claim until the source and the source's credibility is known.

If you're making a claim about shoes, then the identity of the shoes' owner isn't really relevant.

I'd rather see a carbon fiber or ceramic toe and instep, but I'm sure it's a trickle down from the industrial shoe folks.

There are non-metallic composite toe industrial shoes that meet the I/C-75 and ASTM F2413-05 standards. Those are the same standards used for steel toe industrial shoes, so the technology is out there.

If someone came up with composite toe plate shoes that met those standards, I would not hesitate to wear them. Until then, no way. That said, I'm willing to bet there are a few cheap steel toe plate shoes that don't meet those standards.

There's a big difference between a skate and a shoe--the entire lower of a skate is one piece, thus enhancing the structural integrity and the ability to transmit force from an impact of a fast-moving hard object. Plate shoes, OTOH, only have the toe as an integral reinforced element, with no ability to transmit force elsewhere.

Hey!!!

I don't mind the looks of them, but finding one for my own wearing is a pain--they just don't feel like they fit right.

if they only made them big enough for my waterski's then the above would be true. :(

I've never tried one on, but I don't like any NHL team enough to spend what the new ones cost. My local team is the Winter Hawks (WHL major junior) so that's really the only team I've followed. I've just got a few of the old replica jerseys I liked along with some Hawks sweaters.

And on the topic of shoes: I need some new plate shoes so I'll be trying the New Balances next season.

Have you tried going into one of the New Balance Stores. I was told by a friend who is a runner with big feet they can order sizes not typically available.

NBEXPRESS.COM carries them big....

griff

The way to keep a source is to not reveal the source. To anyone, ever.

They have them in 14 EEEE for crying out loud. :D

This is the shoe??

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...SIDEVIEW-1.jpg

They must be kidding. Again, I must say:

New Balance

No Brainer