Balloon Chest Protector - Outside Protector
 

Over the past two weekends, during some USSSA youth tournaments, ages ranged from 9-18's...I saw more umps using the balloon than ever (last I counted was 6 different umps) in one day. Of course it was extremely hot, 90 plus degrees. I have thought about it (again) during these heat waves...not sure about range and view with it but anyone have some experience with the balloon. Last time I used one was when I was 16.

Absolutely the best for youth games and hot days. Throw out the different color shirts, the whatevergrey color pants, 2 stich, 4 stich, 6 stich a dollar hats and just do it with the balloon, shorts and hat on backwards with a mask. Now thats umpiring. I like it, go for it.

For years, I have said that the field umpires should be allowed to wear shorts during the hot weather but, we still have too many officials that get the word "professionalism" confused with "style."

So go for it for youth games but, don't forget to tuck your jacket in your pants because then you'll be "cool."

Oh , they are really not hard to use, put your arms in the straps and protect yourself.

Have fun.

I used to borrow my assignor's old foam rubber-filled outside protector to do a certain brutal Sr. Little League triple-header on some Saturdays (I was the only sucker, er, umpire that would help him out and do the league--I must like him a lot!:)). I would just hide back there behind the catcher and call it American League over the top style as at least 20-25 balls would hit me every Saturday like clockwork. I did this for 5 straight weeks. I should have gotten a Purple Heart or something!;)

Shorts
 

Now that you mentioned shorts, last Saturday, 90 degrees plus, a fan parent supplied us with some ice water between innings and she stated, "You guys should wear shorts, what's wrong with you?" Gave me an idea, maybe..

Ahhh!!!

Now I understand, Steve got caught showing those legs off on Saturdays and they have banned shorts ever since.

Way go Steve!!!

Actually, my legs are the one feature that I would want to show off. It's the rest of me that needs hiding! My legs are rather buff (aren't all umpire's?). No, we have never been authorized to wear shorts, unfortunately, or I would sign up for it.