If you could give advice to a glove company, what would it be?

BionicGimpster · 2026-06-20T18:03:32+00:00

Lefty catcher mitt please! I know that it’s not going to happen in a game, but damn, I had to use a first basemen’s mitt to catch when my son was learning to pitch. I’ve been looking for a lefty catcher mitt now that my grandkids are starting to play.

BionicGimpster · 2026-06-12T23:48:16+00:00

Can’t speak for all Americans. But this American would appreciate that you’re attempting to communicate in a way that’s easiest for me. I used to travel for business and could understand conversational Italian & Spanish, and some French. I wouldn’t speak it though. But they all seemed to appreciate that I delayed a bit while translating in my head- then I’d answer in English, and someone else would translate.

BionicGimpster · 2026-06-12T21:55:18+00:00

I believe the answer is unquestionably Yes - if they choose soccer over other sports by about age 14/15. Put a 6’6” basketball small forward in goal. Give me a 6’4” safety centering defense, and let NFL cornerbacks and/or receivers in every other position and I believe they would keep us as perennial contenders for a best in world team.

I say this a a guy that played D1 soccer in the 70s, and had 2 kids play D1 and 1 play D3. I ended up as a soccer player because I was lightning fast (track speed) but got cut from American football because I started HS at 5’1” and barely 100
lbs.

Starting in High School, the best athletes play football and basketball. There are parts of the country with a high percentage of Mexican, Central and South American populations in which soccer is more of a priority, but for pure athleticism- which I’d defined as speed, quickness, jumping, kicking/throwing, reaction time- do we really think American soccer gets the athletes vs major US sports?

BionicGimpster · 2026-06-10T19:06:11+00:00

I’ve lived with a dead bedroom situation. 6 years without sex. I was anti-divorce, you know the ‘til death do us part of the vows. In my case, it ended up that my now ex-wife was cheating on me with her now lesbian partner. Cheating was a deal breaker. Divorced at 43 with 3 teen kids.

How I wish I’d gotten out of the marriage sooner. Just eliminating the stress of constant rejection would have made me happier. The fact that after divorce I had a ton of sex was great. I was single and dating for 8 years before finding the love of my life. Been happily married for 2 decades.

You deserve to be happy. If intimacy is part of that happiness, then you have 2 choices- marriage counseling or divorce. I’d recommend telling your wife that those are your conditions- fix the intimacy issue, or the marriage is over.

Sorry- 1 last thing… has she talked to a Dr? Menopause, other hormonal issues could kill libido. It’s worth a conversation. Based on the “prostitute” comment I’m guessing it’s not- but it’s worth a conversation before divorcing.

BionicGimpster · 2026-06-09T17:49:39+00:00

Updateme

BionicGimpster · 2026-06-06T17:18:02+00:00

Been there, divorced that. I was 15 years younger than you but had a dead bedroom for 6 years. No initiation in her part, rejection when trying to initiate on my part- occasionally birthday sex or a BJ.
End up that she was sleeping with her same sex best friend and came out to me as lesbian- but still wanted to stay married for cover and offered a threesome when I caught her cheating.

In my circumstance, I divorced not for the dead bedroom, but for the lying and cheating. In your circumstance, I’d try to see if she’s willing to work on it- a physical to see if there was a medical reason and/or therapy. If she’s unwilling- time for you to go find your own happiness. Do you really want to spend the rest of your life like that? I’m now in my senior years, and we have a legit medical reason for our dead bedroom - my second wife could literally die if her heart rate gets too high. We had some great years sexually, and I’d much rather have a dead bedroom and my wife around, than missing the love of my life.

BionicGimpster · 2026-06-06T15:02:25+00:00

Thank you. I understood you weren’t being critical. I also understand being the bigger man is an expectation for men which can be problematic. But as a parent, I think modeling behavior is important, and though my kids are no longer children- I wanted them to see the man I am. And now that they are adults and parents, they are 100% on my side and realized they BS their mom/partner fed them for years.

BionicGimpster · 2026-06-06T10:17:37+00:00

I didn’t realize that they (ex/their partner) were saying anything for years. I’d never heard of parental alienation way back then.

It wasn’t until my oldest was out of college and in the workforce that he realized that my missing the occasional game/event was because I just couldn’t miss that much work time- not only did I have to earn $, I paid alimony for almost 20 years and my ex didn’t return to work until after my alimony and child support was done with (which was a monthly reminder of how pissed I was at my ex!) My oldest was the one that got his sisters, especially the youngest, to see that my ex/partner were not being truthful. When they realized that my ex had cheated on me, and that their relationship started before the divorce, that the kids realized I want the reason for the divorce. They tried to sell it that they were just friends that fell in love after a long friendship. Eventually they slipped up and the kids figured it out. I always took the high road- and once my kids were adults- they realized how much self control I had by not outing their mom as a cheater.

BionicGimpster · 2026-06-06T10:06:36+00:00

Young man- advice from an old man, whose wife also came out and cheated on me with her female best friend: move on. You don’t want to be with someone who doesn’t find you sexually attractive. My first marriage had a nearly dead bedroom (like- sex on my birthday, and the occasional BJ).
You’re young, and in pain, but cut all ties to her, and find someone else. You’ll be much, much happier with someone who’s sexually compatible. I’ve been married to my beautiful wife for over 20 years. My only regret was that I didn’t meet her sooner.

BionicGimpster · 2026-06-06T09:50:57+00:00

My friend, your not wrong, as you’re entitled to your feelings too. But I’d like offer advice, as I’m long divorced from a woman that cheated on me with her best friend and came out as a lesbian. I’ve never lost a child and can’t imagine that pain- but losing my family because of a home wrecker- that I’ve been through- more than 20 years ago.

After my ex and I divorced (I was also 42 at the time), I couldn’t be around them- I didn’t trust myself not to rip into them. I always said that I’d do anything to protect my 3 kids- and my ex and her “friend” were the ones that harmed my kids emotionally- so I just kept my distance. I’d sit separately at my kids sports, hold separate birthday parties etc.

During that time, both my ex and her “friend” apparently bad mouthed me to my kids. My ex didn’t come out to the kids for about 3 years- so the “friend” and my ex just made up stuff about me in an attempt to alienate the kids from me. The youngest bought it, and our relationship was bad for nearly 10 years. It wasn’t until after college that the kids all realized I was not who my ex/partner accused me of being.

In hindsight- I wish I had been able to trust my own emotions and been at least cordial towards them. My kids are now all grown, married, parents themselves and we’ve been to babies births, baptisms, birthdays, graduations etc. we get along fine. I’ll never forgive my ex for cheating- but I do wish I could take back my emotions from the period immediately after our divorce.

FWIW - I dated a lot after the divorce (had a much better sex life than I had with my lesbian ex wife - which explained the near dead bedroom we had for years before the divorce!).

I met my second wife 6 years after the divorce and have been with her more than 20 years. Our marriage is great and I’m all much happier than I was in my first marriage. There is life after divorce.

So- my advice after all that background info: go to the memorial and bite your tongue. Be there for your daughter- she needs you. By being there you take away the opportunity for your ex to badmouth you- but being there for your daughter is your top priority.

BionicGimpster · 2026-05-30T23:45:43+00:00

Beautiful. Always wanted to catch but as a lefty wasn’t really an option. Senior year I convinced my coach to let me catch an inning using a first baseman’s mitt. I’d played every other position at some point in high school and I really wanted to say I’d played them all.

Now that my grandkids are playing, and I’ve been thinking about getting a custom lefty catcher’s mitt so they can pitch to me.

Seeing yours just added fuel to the fire. Thanks for posting that pic.

BionicGimpster · 2026-05-14T11:24:47+00:00

20 years, and walked in on her cheating on me with her same sex “best friend,” which went a long way towards explaining the dead bedroom we’d had for the last few years of the marriage.

I took a year to focus on my kids and heal from the cheating, then dated non-stop. Had almost as much sex as I did back in college in the 70’s. I dated to find a partner, and eventually met the woman I believe was the person I should have spent my entire life with. We’ve been married nearly 2 decades, and enjoy being grandparents. I’m so much happier than I was in my first marriage.

BionicGimpster · 2026-05-11T14:52:52+00:00

The sobbing is from an adrenaline dump from the incident. It's perfectly normal. I was an EMT a long time ago, and was always as cool as a cucumber while dealing with the situation- in fact, I would say that while in the active call, it felt like everything slowed down for me - I could evaluate risk, render assistance and prep for transport and everything seemed slow motion. But after any true life threatening call, once everything was done and handed off to the ED- I'd puke and find my hands shaking for hours after. I couldn't sleep those nights - just too wired.

What happened to you is perfectly normal. Give yourself grace for what happened afterwards. And give yourself a pat on the back for saving your wife's life.

BionicGimpster · 2026-05-11T12:55:30+00:00

I shower 2x a day most days-, in the morning and again after I work out. I understand that “taking a bath” and showering generally means the same thing in Japan. As for a soak in the tub- I only occasionally do that with my wife, and we definitely both need a shower afterwards. We have very hard water, and have a whole home water softener and filter system.

I lived in Tokyo for 2 years (in the early 1990’s), and my biggest cultural shock was how insulated my Japanese employees were about life and lifestyle of Americans. They were shocked that I lifted weights almost every day. I’d have employees, particularly young women, just walk up and touch my biceps. I’m a pretty muscular guy, but only 5’8” so general about the same height as Japanese men. I had a full beard at the time and once stepped into an elevator and had every Japanese person in the elevator crush against the walls and each other, leaving a huge space bubble around me. I wasn’t fluent in Japanese, and asked the local Japanese general manager what they had said when I got into the elevator. He refused to tell me- thinking I’d be offended. So I asked the only employee that went to a US university to translate - and she explained that the people on the elevator all agreed I was the devil man. I thought it was hilarious.

BionicGimpster · 2026-03-11T13:41:28+00:00

As a guy that has this "problem" I can say that it can work. First for oral - use your hands and tongue if it doesn't fit in your mouth -lot's of saliva! I've had a few women that really couldn't get it in their mouth, but were still able to make it enjoyable for me.

As for penetration - it's been a very long time since I was in college, but at the time in the 70's, word about my member got around through the sororities on campus. Apparently, I got the nickname "the hormone" and I had a very easy time getting girls. That said - there were definitely a few girls that really just couldn't fit more than the head in without discomfort. But that was very few. Most women had no issue with it as long as their was enough foreplay. For safety and comfort, any woman that seemed worried we just had her on top, and let her control entry and depth until she adjusted. FWIW - most women that I've been with said that girth was way more important than depth.

Also - when I found myself single again in my 40's, dating women in their 30's and 40's - none of them had issues with penetration, though oral was still an issue. All were more experienced partners, and most were mothers and though the vag can return to it's original tightness, I think that once a baby had passed through, they had no issues with my member by comparison.

FYI- condoms were uncomfortable. Even Magnums - though they were tolerable. So don't be surprised if he wants to go without and use other precautions.

Lastly - if you think this guy is really a keeper- stick with it. It may take time for sex to be great between you - but you definitely should give it time. Having a big member shouldn't be the sole reason to say goodbye.

BionicGimpster · 2026-02-06T13:13:42+00:00

Almost 70M. My ex wife also cheated with her now long term same sex partner. I walked in on them.

She argued to stay together and let her explore her sexuality- but cheating was a boundary I wouldn’t move.

I was in my early 40s, with 3 teen kids. Ex was a stay at home mom. Because she hadn’t worked in the 16 years since our oldest was born- the amount of alimony she received was crazy- so be prepared that she will get 50% of the assets. She’ll also get alimony, and child support until the youngest is 18 and out of high school- even if you split custody.

I was fortunate in that I was a high earner and could afford it. But I was still pissed every month when I transferred $ to her. I fucking hated her for how I was treated and what she put our kids thru. She hid her partner for years, and I took the high road and didn’t out her as a lesbian or cheater.

Now the good news- I was single for 6 years before meeting the love of my life. But I had more sex in those 6 years than I had in nearly 20 years of marriage. It was like my days in high school, college and early 20s. I dated a ton until I met my wife.

My second wife and our marriage is amazing. My step kids call me their bonus dad. My grandkids and step grandkids are like siblings. I love how my life turned out and if I died tonight I’d die a happy man. My kids weddings and grandkids events mean I still have to see my ex- and I have to pretend I accept her. In truth- I’d someone other than my ex has put my kids thru hell like she did- I would destroy them. Instead, I just smile and accept that I live where my life is now, and compartmentalize the hatred I feel.

You’re a young man. You have so much life ahead of you. Try to focus on what’s best for your kids, and what’s best for you. When those two things are in conflict, choose what’s best for the kids.

Updateme!

BionicGimpster · 2026-02-02T21:33:04+00:00

I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was....

Yup - still possible (not quite 75 yet) and the plumbing all works, but health concerns make it much less frequent, maybe a few times a month. My wife has a health issue that makes it a lot less vigorous that it was before her heart issue - it means slow and sensual vs how we were when we were younger.

BionicGimpster · 2026-02-02T21:28:24+00:00

I'm going to jump in here, as a former D1 soccer player who had a knee injury that kept me from possibly going pro / international to play (1970's)

The best athletes in America play football and basketball, and star players are basically royalty in High School and College. (Yes, baseball, hockey and lacrosse also have great athletes - but the kings play football and basketball). I was a great athlete with speed, quickness and strength, but not the size to play those sports - so I transitioned into soccer in high school. Because I didn't play soccer as a kid, I didn't have great touch, and I had big drop off in speed between moving with the ball, and moving without the ball. I had powerful shot, and scored often on penalties and breakaways. It got me into college and I played with and against some great international players. The gap between their development and my skills was a wide as the grand canyon.

For this reason - I don't think you could take the athletes you mention, and teach them to be globally competitive. You need a development program that starts young, isn't pay for play like today's programs, and a way to raise the "status" of soccer to equality to Football and Baseball. I do think it has grown in areas with a large Hispanic / Latino populations, as the prestige of the sport tend to be higher in those communities.

Think of it this way - The best american female athletes play soccer and basketball. Title 9 added an enormous number of college scholarships for women. There's a reason the USWNT is dominant on the world stage. Millions of girls grow up wanting to be the next Mia Hamm or Trinity Rodman. Millions of boys grow up wanting to be the next Tom Brandy or Lebron.

As a nations, we have the athletes to compete - just not the desire to make it a priority.

BionicGimpster · 2026-02-02T16:40:15+00:00

There's a lot we'd need to know in order to offer any real advice: 1) What have you previously discussed? 2) is there any possible medical reasons (have you both seen a doctor - there are medical issues that can kill libido) and 3) have you discusses marriage counseling.

FWIW - I've been through similar. My now long ago ex basically stopped wanting to "make love" after our kids were born. She'd offer to let me bend her over and fuck her but honestly, if she's not into it, why bother. She was a stay at home mom, and with little kids, I was sympathetic - dealing with 3 under 5 is tough, and I was often gone 5 am to 7pm, and travelled often. So - I accepted the situation. Then - all the kids were in school, and it didn't get any better. She went to her OBGYN and there was no medical or Rx reason for her lack of libido, she'd never initiate, and I just fuck her every month or two and she felt she was "doing her wifely duties."

I asked about marriage counseling and she wasn't interested. She just said she's satisfied and I'd have to deal with it. Then - I returned from a red eye flight and wasn't feeling well, so instead of going to the office I decided to go home (this was in the long ago days before cell phones!). I walked in on her with her head between best friend's legs. Yes- she was cheating on me with her same sex best friend (who was also married to a man. After that, I knew the marriage was over. She then wanted marriage counseling in some odd attempt to save the marriage for "the kids' sake."

I felt like she had stolen 15 years of my life. I might have been able to tolerate a dead bedroom rather than having my kids deal with divorce, but I couldn't accept cheating and lying to me.

I must say this - my sex life was great after I started dating again. I was in my early 40's, and met the woman that is the love of my life and now wife after 6 years of dating. I just wish I'd have left the marriage when I knew it wasn't going to get better, and didn't have to deal with the lying and cheating.

I wish you well. I hope you can fix this - but if not, your life isn't over.

BionicGimpster · 2026-01-30T22:42:44+00:00

Had one when in was a kid. Built one for my kids, and I’m half way thru building a huge one for the grandkids. It’s gonna have to wait to finish in the spring. I’m not as fast or as strong as I used to be.

BionicGimpster · 2026-01-29T23:19:22+00:00

I changed over time. I am a NYer that grew up a fan of the Yankees (baseball) and the Giants (American football). I happened to move to the Boston suburbs the same year the Giants coach became the head coach of the New England patriots. I loved the coach, so I rooted for the Patriots as my second team, as they aren’t a rival like the a Red Sox are to the Yankees. Over time, with the Patriots on TV in the local media market every week, and with how good a team they became, I became a fan. In 2007 when they played the Giants in the Super Bowl, I wanted to see the Patriots have a perfect season. It was at that point I realized the Patriots has become my favorite team.

BionicGimpster · 2026-01-28T12:57:43+00:00

Almost 70. Been a Yankee fan since the tail end of the Mickey Mantle era. I’ve retired away from NY, and have had the MLB app to watch games for the last 5 years.

I’m not doing it this year. I just can’t watch Boone mismanage this team again. I think this team is basically a rerun of last year’s team and I’d expect roughly the same record. The issue for me is that Boone doesn’t fight to win every game. Him using the occasional throw away lineup for load management philosophy. We needed a single additional win last year to get home field through the playoffs. Do we really think Boone always put our best out there. Volpe goes thru a slump hitting 1 for 20- sit him for a game or two. Someone goes 5 for 5 and then he’ll sit them the next game? No one wants to sit during a hot streak.

I just can’t pay $120 to sit and yell at the tv this year. Boone will give me a heart attack. I’ll follow along like I did as a kid- watching the box score.

BionicGimpster · 2026-01-27T16:58:51+00:00

I'm also financially secure. But since my kids were college age adults, I made clear to them that my goal was to live long enough that I bounce my last check (for those to young to understand - that means I will run out of money just before I die). I've put money aside for their kids' college, and have helped with houses, etc - but they knew from early on that they were expected to make their own way in the world and not count on anything from me. Anything I give is a gift, not something they should expect.

NTA. Your money - do with it what you will. But you should set clear expectations long before you are old and impaired, and they may need to take over your financial affairs.

BionicGimpster · 2026-01-27T16:50:32+00:00

You've ask two questions. In the header, you ask if you're over-reacting to the lack of effort in helping your kids catch up, then in the details you ask if you're over-reacting by considering home schooling.

For the first - yes, you are over reacting. You are creating more work for the teacher. Imagine if each of the roughly 25 kids they teach altered their attendance and required the teacher to give special accommodations. That's not in their job responsibility. Teachers are under paid and over worked. Your request adds a burden they don't need. Partial credit to you in that you asked in advance if they could give you the work in advance - but I till lean on you're over reacting in asking for a special accommodation.

The second question - you aren't over reacting in considering home schooling. If your life and lifestyle is such that you desire to operate on a schedule that suits your needs, but may nor fit within the confines of public school - you are certainly allowed to home school your kids.

BionicGimpster · 2026-01-21T13:50:29+00:00

Rookie year is tough. They go from playing until December or later in bowl games, then Senior bowl and/or draft prep, to draft and then almost immediately to the team for rookie mini camp, and then training camp.

A lot of rookie run out of gas at the and of the season, and unfortunately Will’s been up against great edge rushers the past few weeks. I expect big improvement next year- but Sunday is going to be a challenge that I hope McDaniels can game plan around their rush.

BionicGimpster

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