The Official Forum  

Go Back   The Official Forum > Softball
Register FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Search

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old Sun Apr 08, 2007, 05:43pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Fort Myers FL
Posts: 600
Ah--more memories. Back when I still had an outside protector (yes--a "raft") with my gear-- I was getting hit all over too. I called for time out--went to my car and brought out the venerable piece of gear. All
the balls bounced off that thing and no more bruises, etc.
I sometimes wish we could still use them.
__________________
Keep everything in front of you
and have fun out there !!
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old Sun Apr 08, 2007, 05:49pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sierra Nevada Mtns
Posts: 3,220
Quote:
Originally Posted by SWFLguy
Ah--more memories. Back when I still had an outside protector (yes--a "raft") with my gear-- I was getting hit all over too. I called for time out--went to my car and brought out the venerable piece of gear. All
the balls bounced off that thing and no more bruises, etc.
I sometimes wish we could still use them.
In the shed by this field are a couple of those. I could use it. No problem. Might be a little better than making some little kid who just happens to suck at catcher cry. Next time I see the evil little purple shirts, I'm going to toss it in the dugout just in case.

Damn fine idea!
__________________
ASA, NCAA, NFHS
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old Sun Apr 08, 2007, 07:19pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: USA
Posts: 14,565
Quote:
Originally Posted by wadeintothem
In the shed by this field are a couple of those. I could use it. No problem. Might be a little better than making some little kid who just happens to suck at catcher cry. Next time I see the evil little purple shirts, I'm going to toss it in the dugout just in case.

Damn fine idea!
Yep, I started umpiring using a balloon and to be quite honest with you, I believe it is a better piece of equipment that what is used today. An umpire does not lose any mobility and in the slot, still has full view of the plate and strike zone.

I think the lack of style is the only reason for not using it.
__________________
The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old Sun Apr 08, 2007, 07:55pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: north central Pa
Posts: 2,360
Quote:
Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA
Yep, I started umpiring using a balloon and to be quite honest with you, I believe it is a better piece of equipment that what is used today. An umpire does not lose any mobility and in the slot, still has full view of the plate and strike zone.

I think the lack of style is the only reason for not using it.
Mike,
I'll drink to that. I started with one of them too. 'Course, I started at 14 & that was more than a couple of years ago. I think they are probably more protective AND I think they are much cooler in those hot & humid games.
__________________
Steve M
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old Sun Apr 08, 2007, 11:05pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 2,672
Quote:
Originally Posted by SWFLguy
Ah--more memories. Back when I still had an outside protector (yes--a "raft") with my gear-- I was getting hit all over too. I called for time out--went to my car and brought out the venerable piece of gear. All
the balls bounced off that thing and no more bruises, etc.
I sometimes wish we could still use them.

A buddy of mine facing a similar situation in a rec league game went to the dugout and inquired about the possibility of a new catcher. He was told that the two regular catchers were not there and this one was the only player that would volunteer to catch.

He solved the issue by borrowing a spare mitt from the dugout and using it behind the plate to defend himself.
__________________
It's what you learn after you think you know it all that's important!
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old Mon Apr 09, 2007, 09:22am
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Little Elm, TX (NW Dallas)
Posts: 4,047
I still have my old bubble protector, and it's in the car during the season. I've pulled it out exactly twice - both times in EXACTLY the situation you describe -- pitcher with good velocity, catcher with no experience and no viable alternative.
__________________
"Many baseball fans look upon an umpire as a sort of necessary evil to the luxury of baseball, like the odor that follows an automobile." - Hall of Fame Pitcher Christy Mathewson
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Pac-10 T right or wrong? Nevadaref Basketball 35 Sun Mar 11, 2007 02:00am
Right or Wrong wobster Baseball 10 Thu Jun 17, 2004 01:56pm
NCAA Pass Interference - Intent required? mwingram Football 2 Sat Nov 09, 2002 12:54pm
I called ump interference. Right or wrong? Danny R Baseball 2 Wed May 01, 2002 05:47pm
Intent/Letter of the law: Interference Patrick Szalapski Baseball 1 Sat Mar 17, 2001 07:20pm


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:06am.



Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.3.0 RC1