Oh, he was exaggerating...what a shock!:rolleyes:

Well, I'm nothing if not dignified.;)

Actually I've been swimming, power walking and lifting weights, so I've been building muscle lately, and not losing as quickly as I was previously. But I'm right on track, and looking pretty good these days.

No doubt about that!! :)

I went cheap when I first started umpiring. Like most guys, I used league provided equipment at first when I just did little league. The second year I bought my own stuff and started doing some high school ball. I bought a cheap waffle protector, a decent mask, cheap shins and no plate shoes. I still use the mask. I used that CP for one season then gave it away to another guy. I got several bruises on my chest, plus there was a big gap between the shoulder pads and the protector around the front of the armpit as well as no collarbone protection. I also ended up with a black and blue pinkie toe after a couple of foul balls.

I learned my lesson and bought a K1 the next season and plate shoes. You may only need plate shoes one or two times a season, but will be glad you have them when you do need them.

If that guy was serious, it will only take a few shots off the collarbone or a broken toe to show him the error of his ways. I discovered I really didn't know what I didn't know about gear until I had already purchased some crap. I think that probably happens to a lot of guys.

Sounds like a country song!:D

I tried this early in my career. I would get stepped on by the catcher, so getting hit in the foot was never the issue.

Peace

Never mind, I just saw the WV Platinum selling at Modell's for $199. What a ripoff place that is. Everything is marked up 25% higher than other places.

Much like the $250 Wilson Titanium mask Honings was trying to sell when nearly all other places had it for $199. I think their latest mailing dropped the price to $209 or something.

No, it doesn't.