New Umpire Questions

[D-Man]

Of course it's better to have everything.

You are asking for a minimum, no?

Mask, chest protector, shin guards, plate shoes = find them second hand. Who wants the pain in the butt of re-selling. That's just silly. You'll still be able to re-sell the used stuff if you are so inclined.

Buy your cup new. Undergarments, hats, and some sort of performance leg wear you'd probably prefer to be new, as well. The performance leg wear can be long underwear and a cup and jock or athletic tights with their own cup pocket. Keeps sweaty legs off your shin guards (you will appreciate that tip).

Uniforms and jackets...depends on the condition. I've always bought new but I've sold stuff that's starting to wear. If you hustle at the JV and lower levels, you can get away with some weathered stuff.

At the rookie level, you will (should) not be judged, pro or con, for using an indicator on the bases. Just work on not checking it too much.

Brush, pencil, ball bag, and belt wrap up your list. Do not break the bank. If you stick with it you can get new stuff next December.

D