[NCASAUmp]

I just want one uniform for ASA, period. I don't care if it's navy vs. heather grey slacks, or powder vs. navy shirts. Just one uniform, please.

I'll be honest here, I lost money doing this National. 3 pairs of heather grey Fechheimers (on top of the 3 I already owned), a new hat (which is now ruined), two new heather grey ball bags (my choice) and a brand new belt, and I only called 8 games.

Do not take my statement as one of disappointment or criticism of ASA. I don't go to a National with the intention of making money. I go with the intention of doing my best for my local association, my UIC and ASA as a whole. I just wish I didn't have to have an entire section of my closet dedicated to doing so, and I'm sure my financial advisor (read: my wife) wishes the same. Each UIC has different uniform requirements at their Nationals, and that's their prerogative. Whatever they decide, I make sure I have it as soon as possible to beat the rush. But with 4 different possible combinations of uniforms, it gets pretty expensive.

My silver lining is that I know that none of my equipment will go to waste, as I make sure I dress the same when calling local games as I do a National. The players and the leagues for which I call deserve an umpire who respects himself, the profession, and the game. Showing up in navy or grey pants off the clearance rack at Walmart does not convey the same respect. And on that note, in my opinion, Fechheimer makes some damn fine pants. I've called hundreds of games in them, and they've not given me any problems. Even the shirts, when properly maintained, will last. Some of my shirts are 3 or 4 years old, and considering I call 200-250 games per year, that's a decent amount of mileage. I've certainly gotten my money's worth from them.

So no, I'm not stylish out there, but I'm not out there to pick up chicks. I'm there to call ball.