Gold vs Platinum - questions on throat/neck protection

[Kevin Finnerty]

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 gotcha. But there are many umpires who can still throw and do enjoy throwing, and I'm one of them. And our games go at a little better pace because of it. Here, it's not greatly encouraged, but it's quietly encouraged and definitely allowed. So if I'm not too sore, I throw. When a guy gives up a bomb, I walk halfway out and discreetly flip. And some catchers protect you better if you save them some work.

I pitched, I caught and I umpire, so I throw because I still can, I guess. I also run hard, instead of jogging, because I still can.

[dash_riprock]

We have a list around here: "Umpires who throw like (rhymes with witches)." You don't want to be on it.

I like throwing a new ball in. It's not frowned upon, but the general teaching is to hand it off.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

I gotcha. But there are many umpires who can still throw and do enjoy throwing, and I'm one of them.

I'm one of them, too. But, I still hand the ball to the catcher 98% of the time (exceptions: F2 gets dinged; F2 chases a looping foul back to the screen and dives for the ball, F1 gives up a dinger -- I'll either toss to F1 or F2 depending on what F2 is doing, HBP -- if I need to get out between BR and F1 or I need to talk to F1, etc.)

[MajorDave]

I toss a ball to pitcher if catcher is having equipment issues, retreiving mask/helmet, etc. and if a HBP and I am already out front of the plate or after a HR unless catcher requests ball and time to go talk to pitcher then I hand it to him.

[kylejt]

If you have someone other than the catcher fetching balls at the backstop, that's fine. If the catcher is back there, I'll toss one to keep the game moving.

Back on topic (imagine that), I like the protection of my Platinum after it was broken in, and molded to my body. Remember, a new one is stiff and won't fit properly.

[ODJ]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

I gotcha. But there are many umpires who can still throw and do enjoy throwing, and I'm one of them. And our games go at a little better pace because of it. Here, it's not greatly encouraged, but it's quietly encouraged and definitely allowed. So if I'm not too sore, I throw. When a guy gives up a bomb, I walk halfway out and discreetly flip. And some catchers protect you better if you save them some work.

I pitched, I caught and I umpire, so I throw because I still can, I guess. I also run hard, instead of jogging, because I still can.

The pitcher has a new ball in his glove before the foul ball hits the ground. Even if you give the ball to F2, F1 is still watching the ball bounce in the parking lot.

[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?

[Durham]

I recently order a WV gold and new WV shins, will let ya know how they work out. My last set, WV original and WV shins, was purchased in 1997, and my question is will Wilson recondition them. Anyone had any luck getting theirs cleaned up and if so, what is the process?

Thanks

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Durham

I recently order a WV gold and new WV shins, will let ya know how they work out. My last set, WV original and WV shins, was purchased in 1997, and my question is will Wilson recondition them. Anyone had any luck getting theirs cleaned up and if so, what is the process?

Thanks

My experience: The cost of reconditioning plus the cost of shipping two ways nearly equals the cost of new shinguards.

[Durham]

Thanks for that info.

[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.)

[kylejt]

I found a Douglas at a local Goodwill a couple of years ago. It was okay, but I liked the way my platinum fit better. So, I put the Douglas on eBay and got over 3 bills for it. Who'd a' thunk? It paid for my NB AND plate coat.

[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)