[greymule]

For next year's games (in Trenton only), our association has prescribed navy shorts with no belt or tie string. The waist measurement of the shorts shall be at least 4 inches greater than the umpire's actual waist measurement. The shirt will be a black "hoodie." For the first time, the association has added underpants to its dress code: gray boxer shorts.

This change does require some new mechanics. For example, the PU will use the left hand both for holding the indicator and for grasping the waistband. The BU will keep the left hand on the waistband with the exception of during "safe" calls. (This is the reason for the gray boxer shorts. The association wants uniformity of appearance on safe calls.)

It is believed that the new uniforms will garner more respect from players and fans. A check with various suppliers shows that they do have the shorts, but the hoodie is a tough one. We found one supplier that has them, but only in red or medium blue, the wearing of which colors can be fatal at certain local fields.