a question about heat exhaustion

[Andy]

Only happened to me once.

Weekend tournament, about 100 degrees both Saturday and Sunday. Did 5 games on Saturday, no problem. Had first game on Sunday on the bases, then a break, then the plate for the noon Championship game in a 3 umpire system. This tournament decided that there would be no time limit on the championship game. this game ended up being a 2 hour, 45 minute marathon...multiple runs each half inning, errors, walks, just about anything you can think of to draw out the game. I had been hydrating all weekend, mostly water with some gatorade every now and then. By the end of that game, I was spent. I was scheduled to go back out as 3BU for the IF game, but there was no way....one of the other umpires there took that assignment for me. I sat in the shade, cool wet towels, water and Pedialyte for about 30 minutes and was OK.

Living in the desert where I do, I know the importance of proper hydration and followed the same routine in that tournament as I would normally. Could happen to anyone at any time.

[RKBUmp]

2 years ago at nationals I thought I was staying plenty hydrated. I had 3 games the first day, 4 the second day, 5 on the third day including the late game and was scheduled for the losers bracket final on sunday morning. I ate breakfast and purposely drank some extra water. Game started out fine, but about half way through the 3rd I began feeling like I was in a fog, having trouble concentrating and a thirst that just would not go away. I probably drank 6 bottles of water in the 4th and 5th innings but still felt parched. I finally called over the UIC who got me some gatorade. The instant I drank some of it I immediately felt better and got my head straight. I think not only was I dehydrated but was probably suffering from a low blood sugar incident at same time. After the game I did feel a little woosey so they had the paramedics check me out, they wanted me to go the hospital but I refused. Sat in cool trailer for awhile, ate some fruit, drank more water and gatorade and felt much better.

[SE Minnestoa Re]

You know it is hot when you pull your chest protector away from your body and the heat flows out like a furnace.

I've felt woozy behind the plate in the summer but have never really gotten ill. I don't work these four and five game dates any more (at 58, I don't think I need to) so maybe that helps.

I always have my gallon cooler of water near one of the dugouts and hit it every inning when it is hot.