Gold vs Platinum - questions on throat/neck protection

[Rcichon]

If it's foul into the backstop, I may toss one to F1 while F2 retrieves.

[DonInKansas]

Originally Posted by Rcichon

If it's foul into the backstop, I may toss one to F1 while F2 retrieves.

Isn't that what on-deck batters are for?

[Klokard]

Getting back to which is preferred... I have worn the Gold, Platinum, Standard, Douglas, Carlucci, et,al...I would go with the Gold over the other CP's that are available. Had Cece not passed away this last fall, I would still be using his protector. It was by far and away the best protector I have ever worn. It just wore out. Cece made it for me in 1986 and other than a few minor repairs, I wore it up till the 2007 season. I had every intention of having him add the hard shell plate on the front but never got around to it. I prefer the Gold because it is a bit more streamlined. Granted I have removed all the excess padding. I wish I had never got rid of my Douglas CP Now I can't find one. Damn it!!! Anyone have one for sale?

[Klokard]

Further on the protection of the available CP's...No CP will protect you in every sit all the time. As I stated in my previous post I used the Carlucci for many years in all levels of baseball. I only switched when it pretty much fell apart due to the straps and buckles rotting away from years of use. I first tried the Platinum and found it to bulky. Went to the Douglas and liked it but never got used to the firmness of the shell. I then tried the Gold and still use it. I have removed the arm pit plates, the kidney padding, and the arm pads. I now have a comfortable CP that should last me a few years until Douglas re-introduces a new CP. Don't be afraid to make changes to fit your needs. As long as my rib cage is protected and I can move, I am content (for now.)

[JR12]

Originally Posted by Klokard

Getting back to which is preferred... I have worn the Gold, Platinum, Standard, Douglas, Carlucci, et,al...I would go with the Gold over the other CP's that are available. Had Cece not passed away this last fall, I would still be using his protector. It was by far and away the best protector I have ever worn. It just wore out. Cece made it for me in 1986 and other than a few minor repairs, I wore it up till the 2007 season. I had every intention of having him add the hard shell plate on the front but never got around to it. I prefer the Gold because it is a bit more streamlined. Granted I have removed all the excess padding. I wish I had never got rid of my Douglas CP Now I can't find one. Damn it!!! Anyone have one for sale?

DOUGLAS HARD SHELL CHEST PROTECTOR UMPIRE BRAND NEW - eBay (item 220341463592 end time Jan-11-09 07:42:37 PST)

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Tim C

I have not thrown a baseball as a plate umpire in 35 years.

I teach all umpires to hand the ball to F2.

Regards,

I agree, I do not throw the ball to the pitcher and I also teach new umpires to let F2 do the throwing.

[Tim C]

"And some catchers protect you better if you save them some work."

After working for a week behind two major league catchers I found they were exactly opposite of this statement. BOTH catchers told me: "Tee, it is our job to throw the ball to the pitcher not yours."

Over the years I have NEVER had a catcher complain (or even seem distraught) when I say during the first warm-up tosses: " . . . and I don't throw the ball to the pitcher I will hand it to you."

I was working the bases one night when my plate umpire partner fired one back to the pitcher . . . pitcher wasn't looking and nailed him right between the eyes.

That umpire never tossed a ball back to a pitcher again.

Regards,

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by Tim C

After working for a week behind two major league catchers I found they were exactly opposite of this statement. BOTH catchers told me: "Tee, it is our job to throw the ball to the pitcher not yours."

Over the years I have NEVER had a catcher complain (or even seem distraught) when I say during the first warm-up tosses: " . . . and I don't throw the ball to the pitcher I will hand it to you."

I was working the bases one night when my plate umpire partner fired one back to the pitcher . . . pitcher wasn't looking and nailed him right between the eyes.

That umpire never tossed a ball back to a pitcher again.

Regards,

That umpire wasn't a player.