Balloon sighting!
 

On ESPN right now the PU is using a balloon.

YES!!! I just logged in to start the thread and somebody beat me to it! I might have seen it all now...national television...balloon!!

Older umpire?

Female umpire I believe at the Canada/Saudi Arabia game at LLWS.

Yes, female umpire from Mexico. Good job Little League. Normally your affirmative action policies aren't this blatant. At least you weren't subtle about it this time around.

Is she calling a bad game?

Tim.

Mechanics are absolutely horrible. Head is lower than the catcher's head on some pitches. Was out of position on a play at the plate. Calls weren't as bad as the mechanics but one curveball that started out inside to a RH batter from a RHP bounced on the inside batter's box line and called it a strike.

Surprising...

Saw an umpire using a balloon protector at the USSSA 14U Major World Series in Orlando, too. Can't believe anyone who umpires a lot even uses those things!

Disappointing.

I can't believe more people don't use them.

If I worked 10U I'd use one.

Anyone who has worked in the tropics knows the advantage of using the outside protector. I spent six years in Asia and saw some excellent umpires who wore the balloon. When it is 100+ degrees with a saturated humdity, those things make life a bit more bearable for those guys (and gals). During the run up to the Beijing Olympics, the play ins were held during some crazy heat. The balloon appeared when the heat rose.

Why?

Cooler, better protection.

A little lost in mobility, but if used properly, it's not a big deal.

You can get the same look at the strike zone as with the inside protector.

The problems are travelling (to the extent they are foam pads and not inflatable balloons) and windy days.