Keeping cool in the heat
 

Well I do get to go to Clovis, CA this summer. With the way this season has gone so far it may be the first time I actually see some sun (and heat). So I have started to look into alternative cooling technologies. What do you guys do in your way hotter environments to keep cool?

Do any of you guys use the Schutt kool chest protector? How does it work for you? It is adjustable? Where did you get it?

Thanks
Bugg

While Pa is not known as a high temperature area, we do get warm & humid at times. Yesterday, for example - upper 90's in temp with close to 90% humidity.
I have the Schutt's protector but do not use the ice packs. With the way i sweat, those packs would be gone by the end of the first inning. Genereally, I just make sure that I've got plenty of water - room temperature water - in me. I'll drink 2-3 20 ounce bottles during a plate game.

In between games in tournaments, I'll make sure that I get the uniform off and some shorts on - trying to stay out of the sun.

Use suntan lotion, follow the philosophy that if you don't have to go, you need to drink more and you'll do fine in the heat.

And all that heat just makes the beer taste better at the end of the day.:p

I live in the northern part of the valley you're going to so we have similar temps/weather.

I just bought the Schutt kool chest protector and I will let you know how it goes after this weekend.

The key to hydration is to start three days out. You cannot hydrate the day of the game.

My thought has been that the Schutt's cool packs idea was more gimmick than useful, especially for day-long tournaments. Strikes me as useless weight after a relatively short time, and that by the time I would NEED the cooling effects, it would be long gone.

But, that is my skepticism only; I don't own one.

I agree - and I've been drinking lots of water daily for a couple of years now. There are other health benefits to lots of water every day. But on a tournament game day - if you don't gotta go, you need to drink.

I have the Shutt Kool vest and I like it. I also have not used the ice packs but the protector itself has cool material like under armour in it.....and it is adjustable velcro on sides to adjust to belly sizes....I would reccommend going larger than you think you need....getting it on and off can be a challange if you are a big guy, but when I got the XXL no issue....sold my XL to another umpiring buddy, hey wait I still need to get the $$ from him....but speaking with someone else who has had one for a while they rotate the ice packs half way through a VERY hot game and it does help...get some extras and have a set in a cooler ready to go and have a friend with an off game rotate them out for you inbetween innings...she says it makes all the difference in a long game in the hot sun....I will be able to tell you in a couple of weekends!

As a tournament tennis player and ump in the Central Valley these are words to live by.....:cool:

Prior to each game, you and your partner(s) should agree to keep a close on eye each other. I've seen guys go down in the middle of games and their partners looked surprised. :eek:

Just for the un-informed of us.

Why?

Well, if someone went down on me in the middle of the game, I'd be surprised, too.

Your body takes a while to absorb the liquids. The liquids you drink during the game will get to where it needs to go well afterward. The only benefit you get from drinking cool liquids during the game is just that... Cool liquid to give you a quick fix.

...but happy. :)

Not if it's my partner! :eek:

You work with ugly partners?

BTW (back on topic) - please be sure to not only hydrate, but top also replace electrolytes when working in hot conditions.

Mostly guys, so... yes.

Back on topic. Yes, hydrate as much as you can during the days leading up to the hot game. Eat bananas for the potassium so you're less likely to cramp up. Bring lots of fluids to the games to help replenish the fluids you lose. Bring a small towel and a cooler, dunk the towel into the melted ice water, and use that to wipe down (or shove under your hat - not during the games, of course).

The moral of this thread is.....

Keep updated on the weather forecast for your upcoming tournament/games and prepare accordingly.

Packing up your gear the morning of is not the brightest idea.

I was thinking that too....most of my partners I would have to agree...no thank you, but I have worked with a few that there would be no objections on my part!!! :D

I don't know about 3 days; it would seem to me that one day is enough to ensure you are adequately hydrated (unless you are dehydrated to begin with).

Also, be aware that you can over-hydrate (both before and during the event). The symptoms of over-hydration are very similar to the symptoms of dehydration (dizzy, difficulty concentrating, etc.).

Drink enough the day before, and then drink a liter or so an hour before.

You can over-hydrate during the event, too, since you can drink fluids faster than your body can absorb them. In high temp/humidity environments, you can also lose fluids faster than your body can absorb replacement fluids, so don't wait until you are thirsty.

There used to be a good article on hydrating and working in the heat on cactusumpires.com, but I can't find it on the site now.

Basically - just as most of the others have already said:

1. Start hydrating 2-3 days before you will be working in the heat.
2. Water is best, I usually have some sports drink as well for electrolyte replacement and flavor.
3. Avoid Caffiene - it is a diuretic and will flush water from your system.
4. A small towel kept in ice water in the cooler feels really good between innings.
5. If you don't live in the area and are not used to the heat, make yourself take a drink every half-inning during the game.

Not to be contrary, well a little bit, but I have never been to an ER room :eek: or been woken up in the middle of the night with severe cramps from over-hydrating. But I have because of not hydrating enough.

My ER story included fire trucks with sirens, causing a minor traffic jam, ambulance ride,EKG's, blood tests and the electrolyte/potassium lecture from an ER Doc. :o

So I'll err on the side of over-hydrating.

Quoted from wikipedia...

Endurance sports
Marathon runners are susceptible to water intoxication if they drink only water while running. Although sweat is relatively hypotonic compared with body fluids, marathon runners perspire heavily for long periods, potentially causing their sodium levels to drop when they consume large amounts of fluids to quench their thirst. The replacement fluids may not contain sufficient sodium to replace what has been lost, and this puts them at high risk for water intoxication. Medical personnel at marathon events are trained to immediately suspect water intoxication when runners collapse or show signs of confusion.

Overexertion and heat stress
Any activity or situation that promotes heavy sweating can lead to water intoxication when water is consumed to replace lost fluids. Persons working in extreme heat and/or humidity for long periods must take care to drink and eat in ways that help to maintain electrolyte balance. Even people who are resting quietly in extreme heat or humidity may run the risk of water intoxication if they drink large amounts of water over short periods for rehydration.

• On September 12, 1999, US Air Force basic trainee Michael J. Schindler died of heat stroke, severely complicated by water intoxication, two days after becoming seriously ill during a 5.8 mile march. The Air Force changed its recruit training procedures as a result.
• Other notable fatalities due to water intoxication include Andy Warhol, Anna Wood, 2002 Boston Marathon competitor Cynthia Lucero, and Washington, D.C. police officer James McBride.

Memorial Day weekend was the 1 year anniv of the umpire in our area having a stroke from the heat right after walking off the field.

That game a coach told this umpire "you get off the field and get in the shade and get some water or I forfeit this game", The umpire, not wanting to cause girls to forfeit went over, sat down in the shade and had a stroke.

Hes now our assigner but will never umpire again.

Hydrate is #1 gentleman.

You can also put a SMALL amount of spirits of ammonia in the water to help dissapate the heat...just don't drink the water. :eek:

One of the problems I see from umpires up here in the NW, and other umpires in other places, is NOT drinking water because it's cool, not thirsty, etc. etc. ALWAYS keep yourself hydrated, even on these 52 degree Saturdays we've been dealing with this spring (including last weekend -- so sorry for those of you dealing with EXTREME HOT AND DRY). Drink water.

Heck, might even improve your strike zone. :eek: ;)

Oh, and if my partner goes down on me during the middle of the game...well...yah, I'd be surprised too

I don't think any of those people umpire...I'm guessing Andy Warhol would probably have a real weird strike zone.

Yeah, you're right... umpires have an entirely different physiology from the rest of the human race.

If you only drink water, you need some other strategy to keep your sodium and other mineral levels up. Eat something, or drink actual sports drinks (as opposed to what marketing wants you to believe are sports drinks). Drinking only water in a high fluid loss activity will lead to water intoxication (over-hydration).

Not drinking enough and getting overheated can lead to heat stroke.

Only drinking water to replace high fluid loss can lead to water intoxication (loss of sodium, etc.)

Some of the symptoms are the same.

And the difference is? ;)

Sugar content, mostly.

I think we may be on different pages.

I believe we were talking about hydration which is basically pre-gameday. You are on gameday. Obviously, you need to handle the body's chemical balance. Many people used salted sunflower seeds for the sodium. That beats the old salt tablets, but they will still do the job.

The only thing you need to watch with the sunflower or any other salted seeds is wear on your teeth. If you use your teeth to split the shell, the salt coating can wear on the enamel of your teeth. Granted, this is for those who do this long-term.

Back to point. I don't know how much you can "build up" on the sodium and electrolytes like you can fluids.

I did a tournament in Beaumont TX. As I walked in I was given an insulated water jug and I put 2 part water and 1 part power aid (or gatorade)

I drank between innings and had another small cooler with an ice cold rag with a little amonia in the water (don't put that on your head). I put that rag around my neck between innings. If you keep the rag on you it will open your pores and you will sweat like a SOB.

I also have the Schutt with the cold packs. About the 4th inning I had someone put in the cold packs and it was just as nice as working in Minnesota in the spring. (that is an overstatement)

As far as partners going down during a game I think that would be a bad example for the kids.;)

3. Same can be said for alcohol.

4. Add a little spirits of ammonia to that ice water, and you will notice a big difference.

I do eat banana(s), and do not do most sport drinks. I must be very careful about sodium, even moreso than sugars. I do a few sunflower seeds during the game. I've been doing this for years and knock on wood have not had a problem in either direction. I've been hotter than Hades during/after a game, but I have a personal mini-mist machine that help take care of that.

One of Rachel's group, [Mn], set the record for going down in a tournament.
Start of the bottom of the 1st inning he over-heated.

Beaumont, Tx., is definiately not the place to not keep plenty of fluids and
fruits in your bod. The amonia works great also. Our temperature is always
high 90's with humidity same or higher during May, June, July, August.

For us dummies...

What does Spirit of Ammonia do for you exactly?

Opens your pores and allows body heat to get out.

My buddy lasted 36 min. into his first game before heading into the medical tent. We still let him know about it.

He thinks it was the waffle house breakfast that he ate an hour ahead of that.

Hmm thanks Rachel.

I've been googling and nothing definitive about this so far...

No Waffle House in Pacific NW :(

things I miss from the real US, including fried foods. bbq, cornbread, pecan pie, REAL banana pudding...

Now, when you say "bbq," do you mean cooking out on a grill? Or pulled pork?

I bet that tastes great. :eek:


How about 2-3 cans of Red Bull before a game? Would that help?

I gave up searching on the internets about this stuff... nothing about it.

Has anyone asked like say, a doctor, about adding this stuff to your water?

It would be a bad idea to drink it. You would put a LITTLE bit in the water where your ice towel is.

Ah ok.
:eek:

Actually, Spirits of Ammonia was once a staple in many a soda fountain as added to Coke or other drinks.

Then again, kerosene was once used for medicinal purposes. That's when we all became intelligent and decided it was better to pay some pharmaceutical company a load of money to develop and sell more complicated medicines that may or may not get rid of your ailments, but has no problem getting rid of your money.:D

Wow, Spirits of Ammonia and Cocaine all in one drink.

What? No Arsenic?

The good ole days.... :rolleyes:

For you old cocaine historians was the amount in Coke enough to say, make one clean the bathroom tiles all night ? or was it a minor ingredient ?

A very minor ingredient. Here is an article on it.

Spoken like a real Tarheel. Ever eaten at Stamey's in Greensboro? Best pulled pork, vinegar sauce, and cole slaw on the planet.

Actually, I think wade should put it in his drinking water. It might help clear up his vision for seeing things like control of the ball after a tag! :D

Thanks for the article. :)

I had visions of the kids at the malt store doing well whatever kids at malt stores on coke do.....:eek:

Ahem... I'm actually a cheesehead transplant. :cool:

But it didn't take me long to develop a taste for bbq (pulled pork) with the vinegar sauce (AKA - Eastern Carolina BBQ), sweet tea and Bojangle's fried chicken.

Never developed a taste for NASCAR, though. Hell, I could drive in circles, too, if you wanted me to! Here's food for thought: every driver is looking for a few ways to shed a few pounds off their race cars to go faster. I say, "start by looking in the mirror, buddy, and put down the double quarter pounder." Next thing you know, you'll have NASCAR jockeys like in horse racing.

Ummm, no, you couldn't.

I grew up in NASCAR country. I'm not a fan, but I do know a bit about it.

On most NASCAR tracks, they are not driving in circles. They are in a 500 mile long controlled skid. Why do you think the slightest bump sends one of those cars out of control?

It takes considerably more skill to race in NASCAR at the top level than most people realize.

Bojangle's chicken sucks. Vinegar on BBQ isn't my favorite, but can deal with it when it is done lightly. You can keep the heavy-vinegared shredded stuff.

Wow, you must be telling the truth for your taste, but you are showing just how ignorant you are of the sport. Most to these drivers are in better physical shape than many of the pro athletes you watch on the diamond, field or court.

You must not be much of a chess player, either. ;)

Actually, I love the chicken, and I'll run 5 miles naked in the snow to get some of their sweet tea!

I know, but I love to get everyone down here riled up by making those comments. ;) But in all seriousness, some of those fellas could stand to lose a few pounds.

Not anymore. I've gone back to Go Fish. :eek: :p ;)

Having been lucky enough to have an inside look for a while, you must be talking about the guys in the garage. This sport is too high tech and physically demanding for the good ol' boys to be racing. The guys in the TV booth could not handle today's racing without a substitute driver and an on-line tutor.
Isn't that the state card game? They don't know why. They just hear "fish" and figure it must be good.

WI or NC? Could be either, considering all the Scandinavians in WI...

Strangely, the Polka is WI's state dance. Frightening.

Only when John Candy (Gus Polinski) is involved.

I think there are some pictures of me doing the polka on my birthday somewhere. Probably on my website. Who ever thought there'd be a polka band in NC, playing on my birthday at a bar? I seized the opportunity and grabbed my friend, Jes, who's also from WI. You'd have thought that North Carolinians, apparently, never saw the polka until that day.

I dont need that, a ball rolling around on the ground after a tag play is pretty easy to see.

Now, seeing if a player had control of a ball for a nano second after a tag.. but then dropped it.. so you call out...:cool:

Thats pretty hard to see.

(not that I believe for a second you guys make the call {well except smitty's and Virginia dude, he probably makes it}... but message board posturing to trick some new guy into calling this "out" is fun to watch)