I just took the baseball exam, yeah!!!
I took your guys advice about having a withdrawl from officiating in all seasons but spring and picked up a spring sport. It should be fun!

I do have one question, for a new umpire should I get all the equipment now (including behind the plate stuff) or should I wait until I get used to it for a while and just get base stuff for now? ALSO this question could be worded as follows... will I be behind the plate much/at all my first year?

Thats it, Thanks and have a great day!

Yes you will be a lot. Buy the best gear you can get.

One of the best places for the "new guy" is behind the plate. It's a numbers thing - you see so many pitches that if you screw up a few (and you will), you can get back into the game easily. But the bases are a different story. Too many times, "the new guy" ruins an entire game. On the bases, you get one shot at the call. That is where you really earn your money! You can really make or break a game out on the bases. Besides, if you work with a veteran, they will want to observe you and "relax" on the bases. So get your gear and enjoy. "By the way, you and I have a game to do tomorrow and you got the plate"!

Coaches and players are much more forgiven for mistakes at the plate than on the bases. They can have any where from 1 to mabey 15 attempts to get a hit. (Of course if YOU consistently blow the last pitch, you going to have a rough time)

On the bases they get one chance at out or safe and if you mess that up, well!!!!!

If you want to enjoy officiating Baseball, become an expert at the plate and reputation will be known quickly.