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!

Re: Re: And Kalix,
 

No hat here. Hockey mask. No problems working playoffs either. There are a number of officials wearing them around here now. The numbers are growing as people love the view and protection. I wore a mask one time after using the helmet for quite a while. My strike zone suffered. View was too obscured. Also felt like I had to move my head to see the pitch all the way in. I understand they (Underarmor??) are making a hat for us helmet heads. Might check that out.

Re: And Kalix,
 

Why exactly wouldn't I get a playoff game in your area?

Would it be because I were a head protection device that improves my safety, improves my vision and allows me to be a better umpire?

Eeegads! A terribly egregious mistake on my part...

And at last count, I believe there are at least four MLB umpires who wear the hockey style masks. If MLB thinks that they are good enough for their umpires, well, perhaps some groups should re-evaluate their positions...

Re: Re: Re: And Kalix,
 

The one game I tried to go back was the worst plate game I had all year...

I feel your pain ;)

Kalix
 

My area, like many others, is slow to accept change from the status quo.

I have a column soon to be on the paid portion of this site about the challenges I face by selecting to use the "Gerry Davis Stance" on the plate.

While I would never select to wear a helmet I do understand those that do. I am not arguing about you wearing it.

What I am doing is what umpires do during a game: I am just reporting what is fact in my area.

A helmet places you in a position that your deductions of evaluation points for not wearing a hat drops you from the top most umpires that move on . . . plus you are required to take the helmet off EXACTLY as you do a mask . . . many of our umpires that wear the helmet don't take it off AT ALL.

The question I would like to ask, "if the #1 umpire in your group chose to wear a helmet would he not get the playoff games he normally works?"

Re: Kalix
 

Tim,
I understand what you are saying and I realize you not arguing with me. Please know that I'm not arguing with you either.

In the association I belong to, I have been told at training that we could wear a hockey style mask if we want. The instructor even stated that he would probably wear one if he were a new guy, but that he is too used to the mask.

I am only a second year umpire and I have not and probably won't do any high school playoff games for some time. I did do some state playoff games for 14 and under last year, but that's about as much as I am likely to see. Here, the coaches have to have select you to work the high school playoffs. The coaches make you eligable, then the games are assigned. I am not certain of the criteria at that point, though I'm sure seniority plays a major role.

I know that we are not given any formal evaluations. I wish we were, as I would like to know what I could improve on. It would also standardize the way we work. From what I see so far, the big dogs here keep things on the down low as a way of keeping their positions. The only training that is done is for first and second year umpires. Everyone else is left to their own devices. That is why I anxious to get to a camp as soon as my life will allow. Until then, I read all that I can from the redbook, the rulebook, JR and on this board and try to become as good an umpire as I can be. From all that I've heard from other umpires, I am doing well so far. Which is good to know, as I am trying hard to do this right. The Marine in me would have it no other way.

Re: Re: Kalix
 

I can speak for what where I live only. Wearing a helmet or not wearing a helmet is not an issue where I live. You can wear pretty much what you like within the guidelines (color uniform for example). Of course some things are more acceptable and other things are not as acceptable. Playoff opportunities deal more with how many games you work, ratings and whether you get on enough top 15 lists than if you wear one item of umpiring equipment.

Peace

Re: Kalix
 

We have umpires working state-assigned sectionals that still use a balloon. THAT shouldn't happen.

In honor of this thread, I ordered the new Diamond headgear from GDS last night. I loaned out my All-Star helmet and I really didn't care for the feel, but the Diamond one is really nice.