So without further delay...we are getting ready for the Spring 2014 season. Today we made the trek up to Ann Arbor, MI to our favorite umpire attire store, Honig's Whistle stop. Matthew was in serious need of some new plate shoes, socks and the most important piece of equipment any guy can purchase...groin protection.
Now we all know protecting your feet and having the right socks is good, but every year my poor guy gets nailed at least one in his private parts and let me tell you it is not pretty. I saw a video for the Nutty Buddy (Yes that is really what it is called...LOL) and had to tell him about it. He watched the video on how it works and he was sold.
So we looked at the size chart and with sizes like, the hammer, boss, hog, trophy and mongo, I was cracking up. I mean really, a guy must have named these right?? We figured out that my awesome umpie is a trophy and I would have to agree...still snickering.
We ended up taking the long way home and stopped for lunch at The Dog House in Tecumseh, MI. Awesome hot dogs in some very unusual combinations and the best cheesy potatoes and mac 'n cheese I have ever had!
With full bellies we headed home. Now my thought was...we have to test out this Nutty Buddy before he gets on the ball field tomorrow. Any loving wife out there would want to make sure it works like promised right? Are you with me ladies? So I had him try it on and I got the bright idea that if I threw a softball at him (softly mind you) we could test it out in a safe environment.
The first throw hit spot on and then promptly dropped on his stocking foot. Nutty Buddy 1 - Foot zero. I said he should have had his plate shoes on...which got me the "look." The second shot was a little harder and this time fell on the floor. Nutty Buddy - 2. And shot three was the hardest and equally successful. At this point we are both laughing so hard we are crying. This has to be one of the funnest game season preps we have had. Now to see what it will do on the field when a wild pitch or foul tip flies at him.
Tomorrow, first games of the season, a double header in Whitehouse, OH. Not sure I will be up to sitting out in these chilly temps just yet, but will give you another update soon!
Until then, may all your body parts stay well protected!
~Play ball,
Mary Jo
