Questiona about working the Plate in Slow Pitch Softball.

[Andy]

I have heard of SP umpires that wear a mask, but not very many. In fact I could count them on one hand and have fingers left over.

I would think that you may get some grief and a lack of respect from some, if not most of the testosterone fueled SP players out there and that may make it a bit more difficult to umpire the game, but if you feel more protected and confident wearing a mask, go for it.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Andy

I have heard of SP umpires that wear a mask, but not very many. In fact I could count them on one hand and have fingers left over.

I would think that you may get some grief and a lack of respect from some, if not most of the testosterone fueled SP players out there and that may make it a bit more difficult to umpire the game, but if you feel more protected and confident wearing a mask, go for it.

Andy:

Fortunately for us, the only slow pitch we umpire is Special Olympics which does not have players who still think they are playing in the Major Leagues. Special Olympics sports are a special brand of athletics that if one has not had a chance to experience then by all means contact your nearest S.O. office and volunteer. I truly believe that one will not regret it.

MTD, Sr.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

Andy:

Fortunately for us, the only slow pitch we umpire is Special Olympics which does not have players who still think they are playing in the Major Leagues. Special Olympics sports are a special brand of athletics that if one has not had a chance to experience then by all means contact your nearest S.O. office and volunteer. I truly believe that one will not regret it.

MTD, Sr.

Mark....my apologies. I did not pick up from your post that the only SP you worked was Special Olympics.

I have worked SO here in AZ a number of times in the last few years. Our ASA State UIC is a part of the SO State Games Planning team and organizes the entire Softball State Games for SO.

I second your opinion that everybody needs to volunteer and work Special Olympics at least once. The only time I ever had a batter give me a high five after striking out.

Great experience!