Thread: Would you take the field with this guy?
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Old Mon Jun 06, 2011, 10:00am
UmpJM UmpJM is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeStrybel View Post
According to the IHSA Case Situation section of our site, that isn't correct.

"4/14 Umpire's uniform

Boys Baseball

Please remember that your first impression as an umpire comes from your appearance. You send a positive message regarding your professionalism when you where the appropriate uniform. This includes your IHSA officials patch or embroidery on your left sleeve of your Navy Blue shirt or pull-over. Please adhere to the uniform expectations in the officials handbook as a baseball umpire."

I spoke directly to Craig about this matter and was told in clear terms, navy blue is the official uniform for regular season baseball, as stated in the handbook. The discussion ensued after someone complained that I wore black to match my partner instead of honoring the uniform code. They sought to get me in trouble and it didn't work. It did make me more mindful of how petty some can be though. My partner didn't typically carry a navy blue shirt or jacket during regular season. The Case Situation went up on April 14 as a reminder to those who weren't following protocol.

I have never seen a black baseball umpire's shirt with IHSA patch on it. They may be out there but I haven't seen them. I do like the black, except on days like today - 92 with a heat index near 100. Light blue will do just fine when the mercury climbs, unless you are working IHSA ball, that is. I know of one guy who breaks out the balloon when it gets this hot. Good umpire, smart guy...I lost a gallon of sweat last weekend. Take it easy, JM!
Interesting. The Certified IHSA State Clinician at the certified pre-season clinic I attended the year FED changed the language said "any color as long as you match your partner". I've always taken that as "gospel".

I actually have seen a black umpire shirt with an IHSA patch on it, and, I assure you, it looks fugly.

Edited to add....

Kind of ironic that the cover of said Officials' Handbook features a picture of a Base Umpire wearing a black hat and black jacket, eh? http://www.ihsa.org/official/SOH10.pdf

Also, I'd never wear a "penis hat" on the dish and don't believe I've ever seen a Navy belt. (WTF???)

JM
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Last edited by UmpJM; Mon Jun 06, 2011 at 10:44am.
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