[Robmoz]

Referring to ASA umpires.......

My pet peeve is when an experienced ump knows better to 'look' the part but gets lazy with their appearance. Too often I show up to work games dressed for the job and my partner or adjacent field mate comes looking like a little league Dad who was just drafted from the stands.

Specifically, if you are gonna wear the ASA logo shirt, then at least go with a blue shorts or acceptable pants. Likewise, ditch the regular tennis shoes and invest in a pair of black spikes or acceptable turf shoe. And make use of a hat but never wear any other hat than an ASA logo hat, ditch the trucker hat or college/pro logo.

When I purchased my basic gear (ASA shirt, ASA hat, shoes, and matching shorts/pants) I believe that I spent less than $150. Throw in a clicker, ball bag, and plate brush and maybe you'll hit $175.

I always make it a point to comment on slackers as tactfully as possible but surely in a pointed discussion. I feel I owe it to the sport if not to at least inform some of those guys/gals that simply don't give it a second thought or are clueless about the expectations to begin with.

I WISH THE ASSIGNORS WOULD BE MORE DILIGENT WITH STRESSING THE PROFESSIONALISM AND EXPECT PROPER MINIMUM ATTAIRE!