I've got another equiment question. I'm making the transition from slow pitch (no protective equiment) to fast pitch (a lot of protective equiment). I was wondering.... I've spent so much money already on the uniform and equiment and I still have a few things to buy. I've got all the must haves (mask, shin guards, chest protector, etc...) Do I HAVE to buy plate shoes right now? Currrently I only umpire girls fast pitch local teams (10U, 12U, and 16U) and the tournment season doesn't start for another 2 months...I was wondering if I could hold out on buying the shoes until then? I do plan on getting some, the question is when.

Erika

The plate shoes have helped avoid a bruise maybe 3 times in the past 3 years. I think you can live without them if you go into it knowing you'll probably take 1 or 2 off the top of your foot sometime this year. It hurts, but you'll live.

I do know someone that broke a bone on top of his foot once - but it was Div 2 NCAA.

I only wear my plate shoes (aka; boat anchors) for 16U and above, or "A" class ball (of course baseball also, but I didn't say that on this board!). I have bieen hit a couple of times, the only one that really hurt was a pitch to the end of my big toe. It bruised up a bit, but no lasting damage. Check out some "cheapie" steel toed shoes from WalMart. Good protection will pay off in the long run. I did a DH (yeah, that BB stuff) yesterday, and after it was over I noticed a ball scuff to my toe. I hadn't even realized I was hit.

No offense intended, but:

ANYONE WHO DOESN'T WEAR PLATE SHOES IS AN IDIOT!

If I had to choose a "level" to not wear plate shoes, it would be the advanced travel ball...batter catchers, etc. But I still wear them. I wear plate shoes at 10U, NCAA, "A" Travel Ball, league ball, doesn't matter.

A year after being hit, yeah, it doesn't hurt. But when you take the ball of the big toe in the first inning and have to hobble around for six more innings, then it hurts. How about the catcher who steps on your foot accidentally? With plate shoes, it doesn't hurt...without, potential serious injury. Or the foul ball off the top of the foot? It hurts without plate shoes, with good plate shoes you barely feel it.

I understand the problem with cost of equipment. That is one of the biggest "drawbacks" of starting to umpire fastpitch. Consider it an investment.

Wal-Mart used to carry a "goodyear" line of shoes that have good toe protection but little else...I'm thinking they were about 45 bucks. I currently have TWO pairs of plate shoes, one for inside and one for outside.

IN SUMMARY:

Office visit to doctor, with x-rays, treatment, etc: $150
Knowledge knowing your feet are protected with good plate shoes: Priceless :):):)

One more thing...
 

My plate shoes (Honig's K80W) weigh about 3.5 pounds each at size 14 extra wide. If that's a boat anchor, it's a really pathetic boat.

What would you sugest for someone who wears a 12EEEE shoe?

I have yet to find any plate shoes that would fit me so I have to take my chances.

I agree with FU, I won't ever do a fastpitch game without my plate shoes (at least not on purpose!!). I took a shot that probably broke my big toe in a 10U game my first year of umpiring it was LOW level "downtown" ball but since then I worn my steel toed work boots (they were boat anchors) until I could afford my POS that I have today.

Like FU said it is one expense that tends to be put off, and the $150 plate shoes don't have to be bought there are some decent $35-50 protective toe shoes that would fill in until you get the $$ for the nice ones!

Call Honigs, ask to speak to one the Honigs themselves (assuming you're calling the Michigan Main Office), tell them your situation. I did the same thing last year and this year. Got three pairs of shoes to try, and shipped back the ones that didn't fit. Didn't get charged for anything until I had picked my pair.

I wear, normally, a 13 EEEEE...that's one size longer and one side wider than you. I wear 14Wide plate shoes from Honigs...the 13's are too short, but the width is pretty good. Went to a 14 and it's fine...I wear two pairs of socks normally, and I also wear cushion supports for comfort.

Seriously, the K80W are good shoes, look good, lightweight, and are plenty wide for me!

We will 2nd that!!!!!!!

Further, with the right equipment, you will feel protected and less likely to dance around when the pitch gets away. With the proper care, a good pair of plate shoes should last at least 3 or 4 years. After that, they become my Mud Plate Shoes and a new pair is purchased.

Dont starve your family to get them.

You could get injured if you dont have them.. then again, I took a shot to my ankle a few days ago and I wear plate shoes.. didnt help.

I think the saying goes you will only need them twice this year, just cant tell you when.

I didnt get them for a few years into it. 12U plus and that ball is coming. 16U and that ball will really be coming.

It is not the pitch that usually gets you, it is the ball coming off
the bat. Age groups don't have much to do with it. No bragging here,
just a statement. I rarely wear plate shoes. I own them, but, just don't
use them that often.

Maybe I'm just unlucky but I bought plate shoes (Spot Built high tops $99 - look ugly but worth it) and I took two foul tips, one 50 mph fastball, and two catchers stepping backwards onto my foot in my first year.
I agree; priceless!

Not being a smarta## here, just wondering, how did you determine that
the ball was traveling at 50MPH. Well, maybe just a small smarta##.

Wow! Talk about a tough crowd!
Actually I was going by a statement that was made to me by my partner after the game telling me that this particular pitcher had been clocked at 50 mph, so that pitch must have stung. I'll try and be more careful in the future, though.

Don't bother - We'll just find something else to rag on you about! ;)

I guess this is part of the indoctrination.

Could get worse, but only if you want the answers to any of
the test. http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/ak...smiley-041.gif

I've had three different kind of plate shoes. The best are my Tanel low tops. I have been stepped on by male catchers with metal cleats twice. Took gouges out of the shoe, butI still have my toes.

Yes, but ugly shoes! http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sp...smiley-009.gif

I have heard that Tanel had a good
plate shoe, but as I stated, I rarely wear them.

Rachel showed me your picture, Glen. http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/mica/Cartangry.gifI wouldn't worry too much about pretty shoes if I were you! http://eteamz.active.com/softballump...s/tASAhat2.gif

I think I know the one she showed you. But you have to remember,
I had just had to carry Rachel in the last game. Just Kidding,
we never got to work together.

The picture you posted is of bluezebra. I always reserve that one
for him.

glen

[/B][/QUOTE]

Could get worse, but only if you want the answers to any of
the test. http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/ak...smiley-041.gif [/B][/QUOTE]
Oh please, lets not go there again.
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/v/biggrinshoot.gif

Just quick request..I dont wear plate shoes because I cant find any large enough. If anyone know where I can find some at LEAST 16W......let me know

Big and ugly, probably smell too.
My dad gets New Balance in a 161/2 W, he has to order them though. They have some very good plate/turf shoes by his standards.

From my understanding
 

New Balance has acquired a dress shoe and work shoe company. Dress shoes are Durhams, made in North Carolina. I know NB is exapanding business, and they may make some steel toe varieties.

As we all know, finding big shoes isn't fun.

As stated last year, I'm glad my feet stopped at size 13 when I was twelve.

Little brother, though, he's an 18 EEEE in his steeel toe workboots...I looked and company doesn't make anything that comes close to looking good for a plate shoe.

May want to contact the NB website and email the company...maybe they could point you in the right direction.

;)

Actually, the pics she showed me were good; just kidding around.

What do you thing of my ASA smilie? http://eteamz.active.com/softballump...s/tASAhat2.gif

I need to figure out how to get a mask on him.

The ASA thing is cool. I was going to ask how and where you
came up with it. I copied and pasted it to Micro. word so I would
have it.

You come up with some great ones.

Hey Glen:

Why don't you post that picture of you that I sent you? So the folks can see the true Papa Smurf.
I don't know how to do that.

The one where I was worn out from carrying you all day?

ROFLMAO:::

Not true folks, we never got to get on the field together. We
had the same rotation nearly the whole tournament [AFA 18U Nationals]. The
only game she could have seen of mine, she and the other female umpires
were already gone. Our game took place at 1:00 AM Sunday Morning. Weren't
many folks left to see it and it went ITB, only to see the winner have to
return at 9:00 AM Sunday morning.

Rachel, I don't have the pics.

Chris is still wanting those of him. I sent them to him, but he could
not bring them in. I have since had to reboot and lost some good stuff.
Sent most to an old computer, but not all.

I edited an existing smilie from one of the similie web sites. All I added were the two "A"'s plus changed the red hat brim to blue.

Too much time editing. Just use what you can find.
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/aiw/dance.gif

You mean like "demo" smilies you are supposed to pay to use? It took me maybe 5 minutes. I'll bet you've spent more time than that googling for "free" smilies.

[Edited by Dakota on Apr 11th, 2005 at 09:59 AM]

Hell Tom,

It takes over 5 mins to load it....

You should seriously consider a new computer!

PS: Sorry I never replied to your computer problems email, but I had nothing constructive to offer. The application that was crashing comes with Windows. So you may have something corrupted in your Windows install. If you have a "real" Windows CD, you could try an repair installation. If all you have is one of those "system restore" CDs, then unfortunately you have to start over (or go to your friendly computer store and buy an actual copy of Windows.)

It could be the internet server I have to use also. There is not
much offered back here in the East Texas woods. I have been trying
to put two pics that Rachel sent me on the site, but unable to do
so. I may send them to you and let you handle it. I am considered a
new computer. I still cannot do a disc cleanup. Knocks me down everytime.

I know nothing to do with softball.

How about this? 2 HS games Mon., Tues., two college games Wed., 2 HS games
Thurs., Fri., and an ASA tournament Sat. 6 games.

Glenn, have you tried rebooting into safe mode to do the disk cleanup you want?

Oh yeah, softball; tournament draw meeting as UIC Monday, 2 games NJCAA Tuesday, 2 games NAIA Wednesday, Thursday off (so far), ASA Tournament (working UIC) Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

Steve,

No, I have not.

BTW, your working too hard. :D

Steve, Who is your NAIA Wednesday? DD plays in Montgomery, you travel that far?

Done. Check it out. (Gallery page.)

:cool:, Now maybe some of the others will send pics. They
now know they don't have to look good, just let us know who
we talking to. http://www.spao.de/pict/smilies/argue.gif

Oooops, better add that I am not referring to Rachel.

Steve, Who is your NAIA Wednesday? DD plays in Montgomery, you travel that far? [/B][/QUOTE]

I did Faulkner last week at Brenau. Yeah, our group does all that conference; Faulkner, only the conference games. I am guessing that Rachel is your daughter (hometown, and last initial); she DH'd both games, hit the ball well, considering how bandaged her hand is. Unfortunately, I have two weaker teams Wednesday, Southern Wesleyan at Emmanuel.

I did Faulkner last week at Brenau. Yeah, our group does all that conference; Faulkner, only the conference games. I am guessing that Rachel is your daughter (hometown, and last initial); she DH'd both games, hit the ball well, considering how bandaged her hand is. Unfortunately, I have two weaker teams Wednesday, Southern Wesleyan at Emmanuel. [/B][/QUOTE]


Well, you got the right name, but she wasn't DH'ing. I'm not sure who had the bad hand though, could have been the "other Rachel". My Rachel is a walk-on as a senior, (actually made team as a junior but backed out), so she doesn't get much playing time, other than a pinch hit/run now and then. She would have been the "warm-up catcher" if one ever came out.

I don't get to see many of the games, always working somewhere, but what I have seen have all been well officiated. I just wondered if you, or Rickie, or Dennis travel that far. This wednesday, Faulkner will play Brewton Parker. I have to go to that one if possible. One of the BP players and Rachel have played against each other since rec ball! This should be their last meeting! Where has the time gone?

Tom - I sent you a private message on the Eteamz board. Thanks.

Looooking good Andy....

Im going to sulk .
All those games you mention , my mouth is watering .
I get nothing for 5 months here in New Zealand.

Well...at least as good as I can look....:)

Sorry this not my first rodeo (forum), but I have had these old lame demo (and even bought some) smileys. Its actually smiley envy. Dont hate me.
The fact is, I dont have the software to edit smiley on the pc's I use and dont know how.
Are you happy now..you broke me down.