Reading is Fundamental... that's NOT what he said.

Remember way back in post #2 of this thread?

Man, now you've done it. :eek:

I guess I need to run out and buy a lottery ticket. :D

Get me one, too, Mr Lucky Pants. Powerball's up to $245 mil!

I don''t think predicting the predictable qualifies as "lucky", exactly. ;)

I do have a curiosity question, though, for anyone who has and wears both regular and patent leather plate shoes...

The only patent leather shoes I've ever worn were what came with rental tuxes, and those shoes were uncomfortable in just about every way possible, but the part attributable to the finish of the leather was that my feet got hot and sweaty - and I was mostly just standing around, and they were very stiff.

So, my question: Do you notice a difference in comfort between the two? Do the natural leather shoes flex more easily and breathe better? I would think so.

Personally (even if the softball HFMICs endorsed patent leather), the shoes would seem completely unsuitable for any athletic use and I would not use them for that purpose. The ease of cleaning and glaringly shiny look would not be a good trade-off for stiff sweaty shoes.

Uncle Herb???
http://downloads.weblogger.com/weblo...now/WKRP09.jpg
Tarlek???

Found this thread on the football board.

http://forum.officiating.com/showthread.php?t=37711

Maybe there is a market for patent leather in a different sport?

Patent Leather anything
 

If patent leather is what you have, just keep wearing it, it will evidentially loosen up and conform to your waist like any other HD belt. Yes, I wear patent leather belt & 3/4 plate shoes. If they are good enough for Gerry Davis in pro baseball, who worked the dish last night, Cincy over Atlanta game, they are good enough for me or any one else who wants to look professional. If you think patent leather has on place in "SOFTBALL", get over it. I work HS & college baseball & softball and see patent in both. If you don't like it, don't use it. Your shoes probably look like they have not been cleaned in weeks. The advantages of patent are many and they do hold up well. 5 & 6 years for 2 pairs. Thank you Gerry Davis for making what I think is the BEST plate shoe out there.
Work on your mechanics and do not worry what someone else wants to wear.

EXACTLY!

One of my favorite comedies of all time! :D (Glad you got the reference.) :D

I guess you told us!

So, I guess you have no issue with leather ball bags, either.

In case you hadn't noticed, there are not too many MLB umpire groupies on this board.

Also in case you hadn't noticed, there are not too many here who give a rat's behind what MLB umpires wear. That seems to be an infatuation on the small ball board, I know. But, it is a big "yawn" here.

What is your opinion on using the 4 wheel indicator (your clicker)? Leather hip pouch? deerskin mask pads? gel pens? changing a coin from pocket to pocket to remember which team is at bat? throwing a yellow flag to signal obstruction? blowing a whistle at the end of a time limit? Hanging your water bottle on the inside of the fence right behind home plate? Wearing your hat backwards under your mask? Giving a red card to an ejected coach?

Great minds do think alike

Dakota asked: So, my question: Do you notice a difference in comfort between the two? Do the natural leather shoes flex more easily and breathe better?

Being in the Army for 20+ years has given me the opportunity to apply a bit of polish to leather. Needless to say I was happier than Michael Jackson at Boystown when we switched to suede boots. Our shoes that we wear with our dress and some service uniforms are made of a substance called Corfram mentioned earlier in this post. It is far more comfortable and breathable than old patent leather. I would assume that the shoes sold today as patent leather are actually Corfram and that would make them as good or better than some cheap cuts of leather. It would take a significant emtional event to get me to even consider "patent leather" shoes. I can and do apply a good old fashioned spit shine to my shoes before every game even during tournaments. It's a matter of pride.

My last spit shine was in ROTC, and that was (lets just say), some time ago! But, I bet I could still make it shine with the best of 'em. These days, though, I find the Kiwi Parade Polish will brush up to a very nice shine. It won't blind anyone, but it looks very good.

Yeah. I do read the baseball board from time-to-time. Some of their flame wars are very entertaining. :)