A few years ago equipment vendors were selling 8 stich caps "base", 6 stich caps "combo", and 4 stich caps "plate".

As I look around now I'm seeing hardly anybody carrying an 8 stich cap, the 6 stich is now called "base", and the 4 stich cap is called "combo".

Which cap do you guys were behind the plate? I wear a 6 stich for everything. It fits with no problems under my WV mask.

I wear the 2 stitch "beanie" behind the plate and when I'm out in the field.

I wear a 4-sitch combo hat -- base and plate.

8 stitch for everything.

Ditto
 

I am the same as Rich . . .

Re: Ditto
 

At a tournament Saturday, a B&G umpire was wearing his 8 backwards. He was on another field, but that didn't deter me. Between games, I said: "Turn it around." "Can't. I have the plate." I told him to give me the cap and his mask, neither of which fit. But I've been doing this at clinic after clinic for decades. Rip! Hat stayed, mask off. "Well, I'll be damned," he said. "You can't do again, I bet." I won three Dr Peppers before he conceded. Beanies are ok if you're wearing a hockey mask and don't want to show you're bald. (I think. My hockey helmet gets here around 20 May.) Combos are ok if you're learning how to remove your mask and leave your cap. The real deal is best.

Re: Ditto
 

Me, too...8 stitch.

I use an 8 stitch on bases, and a 6 stitch (combo) on plate.

Why? Think of the thrill you're losing. Think of the surpise and awe in the bystanders when you rip off your mask over an 8.

I tried out one of those All-Star MVP 2200's a few weeks ago. I got one brand new on ebay for $49.95. Best money I ever spent on a piece of gear. The view is absolutely amazing. I don't feel boxed in or have tunnel vision. Not that I felt that way in a mask. That was until I put on the hockey style helmet and then tried to go back to the mask for a game. Couldn't do it.

The bars on the All-Star are slightly wider apart then on the regular mask which means better view. I can't see the sides of the hockey style helment unless I try which equals unbelievable peripheral vision.

And the best part, no hat to worry about.

I let a friend of mine try it during our second game when he was behind the plate. His quote, "That's the best piece of equipment I've used in twenty years and that includes basketball and football! I can't believe the view!"

I thought for sure not wearing a hat on the field would bother me. Nope. And I'll never go back to the mask...

Bystanders would have a clue as to what size hat I have on?

Of course, they know everything else! ;) :D

I only wear combo hats. Most of the umpires I work with wear only combo hats.

Peace

Sure they do because the <i>bystanders</i> are the other members of your crew. You don't wear your mask when you're in public (other than on the field), do you?

Re: And Kalix,
 

But, Tee, that is changing. Today, I watched an umpire absolutely butcher ... his body. He was using the scissors. He was also wearing a hockey helmet. He was also watching the Braves beat the Lastros, 16-0. Lah, me!