IL Umpire last night

[outathm]

I went to the Norfolk Tides v Charlotte knights last night. This guy :

HP: Takeshi Hirabayashi.

Was on the dish in the second game. Great job. If you get a chance to watch him work it will be a treat for you.

Thank goodness for cut and paste, that's the only way I was getting close to spelling the name right. LOL

[SanDiegoSteve]

Here is a great article about this guy. He's movin' on up like George and Weezy:

Japanese umpire proving to be major hit in minor leagues | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com

[outathm]

That was from our local paper but I hadn't had the chance to see him work. Our skipper was right, he rang up a number of guys on Monday and not a single one even looked back.

He is small in stature but huge in presence.

The IL crews are all very good, but this guy made a different impression. You noticed how good he was, but didn't notice he was out there, if that makes sense.

[Fittske]

Here is a photo of the guy....

Pretty cool lo0king chest protector

[SethPDX]

And here we go with the "OMG where do I get one?" questions.

Great story about him. I love watching MiLB guys work.

[nopachunts]

Originally Posted by SethPDX

And here we go with the "OMG where do I get one?" questions.

Is everyone going to their name embroidered on on their's too?

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by nopachunts

Is everyone going to their name embroidered on on their's too?

Maybe... but, usually they wear their number on their CP.

[JugglingReferee]

Takeshi is the guy from Revenge of The Nerds who out-drank the Alphas in the tricycle race.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by SethPDX

And here we go with the "OMG where do I get one?" questions.

How in the world could gear junkies like us NOT want one of these sweet looking protectors. No doubt from Japan and totally unavailable to the unwashed masses.

[bobbybanaduck]

Originally Posted by outathm

Thank goodness for cut and paste, that's the only way I was getting close to spelling the name right. LOL

just call him tak. easy enough. all around GREAT guy, too. and a funny mfer to boot.

[outathm]

I am by no means a gear junky, I buy something and get rid of the old one. But that is the coolest chest protector I have seen in a long time! I have a friend who goes to Japan on a regular basis for business, I am sending him with a mission this next time.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by outathm

I am by no means a gear junky, I buy something and get rid of the old one. But that is the coolest chest protector I have seen in a long time! I have a friend who goes to Japan on a regular basis for business, I am sending him with a mission this next time.

It looks as if it's designed to fit the Japanese male frame, which is distinctly smaller than the average American. Caveat emptor.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by outathm

I am by no means a gear junky, I buy something and get rid of the old one. But that is the coolest chest protector I have seen in a long time! I have a friend who goes to Japan on a regular basis for business, I am sending him with a mission this next time.

Are you saying that we don't get rid of our old ones?!

Okay, so I'm still a junkie, but I've gotten rid of stuff.

[Ump153]

Originally Posted by mbyron

It looks as if it's designed to fit the Japanese male frame, which is distinctly smaller than the average American. Caveat emptor.

This protector does come in different sizes, but I don't think "chunky American" is one.

[GerryB]

What brand name is that "B"? Sorry, I'm giving in to the gear junkie in me!