I'm getting to buy a pair of pants..which ones?

[Mr Ray]

Originally Posted by umpduck11

Elitist ??? Only if "elitist" is defined as one who dresses and works in the
generally accepted manners.
I suppose expecting someone to look the part of an umpire is politically incorrect these days. At least in Mr Ray's eyes.

Please don't put words in my mouth.

[Mr Ray]

Many years ago I umpired for several years in a teen league. There were two types of umpires. Those with navy blue uniforms, patches and their own gear. The other group ( myself included) wore blue jeans, t-shirts and went to the equipment shed for gear. The former group were few in number and very condescending to us "smittys" . They did not offer to help. They just barked and sneered and talked behind our backs. We "smittys" did the best we could under the circumstances. I quit in disgust. So, naturally I'm sensitive to elitist attitudes.

The uniform I'll be wearing will be exactly the same as the H.S. varsity umps in Virginia, even though I'll be working lower levels. Except for the raft. Hopefully my partners will understand my position on this until I feel comfortable enough to make the switch to the inside protector.
I tried on my new West Vest. I looked in the mirror. I saw many exposed body parts. Those same body parts disappear behind a raft. Its a confidence thing......

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by Mr Ray

Many years ago I umpired for several years in a teen league. There were two types of umpires. Those with navy blue uniforms, patches and their own gear. The other group ( myself included) wore blue jeans, t-shirts and went to the equipment shed for gear. The former group were few in number and very condescending to us "smittys" . They did not offer to help. They just barked and sneered and talked behind our backs. We "smittys" did the best we could under the circumstances. I quit in disgust. So, naturally I'm sensitive to elitist attitudes.

The uniform I'll be wearing will be exactly the same as the H.S. varsity umps in Virginia, even though I'll be working lower levels. Except for the raft. Hopefully my partners will understand my position on this until I feel comfortable enough to make the switch to the inside protector.
I tried on my new West Vest. I looked in the mirror. I saw many exposed body parts. Those same body parts disappear behind a raft. Its a confidence thing......

Do what you want. But look at it this way...if the "balloon" protector provided more protection than the inside protector, don't you think the boys at the MLB level (or any higher level) would be using them? Food for thought.

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by tjones1

Do what you want. But look at it this way...if the "balloon" protector provided more protection than the inside protector, don't you think the boys at the MLB level (or any higher level) would be using them? Food for thought.

Hey, the raft DOES provide more protection. No doubt. It's downsides are mobility, looks and perception. It's a tradeoff.

Look, wear what makes you comfortable. Being comfortable is quite important in making calls. But be aware that looking the part is also very important, not only to your peers, but to the participants. If you look the part, you've got half the battle won, or never fought at all. That's the perception part.

15-20 years ago, if you rolled out with a raft no one would think twice about it. Nowadays, fair or not, it puts a big question mark over your head. It's as if you drove up to the fields behind the wheel of a '74 Gremlin.

The whole combo or plate pants is the same thing (remember the original theme of this thread?) . Combos don't look right on some people, and puts that question mark over their heads.

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by kylejt

The whole combo or plate pants is the same thing (remember the original theme of this thread?) . Combos don't look right on some people, and puts that question mark over their heads.

You might have a point. But, I would agrue that almost every single person isn't going to know the difference between plate and combo pants. However, using the balloon protector, well... you get the idea.

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by Mr Ray

Many years ago I umpired for several years in a teen league. There were two types of umpires. Those with navy blue uniforms, patches and their own gear. The other group ( myself included) wore blue jeans, t-shirts and went to the equipment shed for gear. The former group were few in number and very condescending to us "smittys" . They did not offer to help. They just barked and sneered and talked behind our backs. We "smittys" did the best we could under the circumstances. I quit in disgust. So, naturally I'm sensitive to elitist attitudes.

The uniform I'll be wearing will be exactly the same as the H.S. varsity umps in Virginia, even though I'll be working lower levels. Except for the raft. Hopefully my partners will understand my position on this until I feel comfortable enough to make the switch to the inside protector.
I tried on my new West Vest. I looked in the mirror. I saw many exposed body parts. Those same body parts disappear behind a raft. Its a confidence thing......

Personal Opinion:

If you are going to work LL and under only then the raft may be right for you since you're practically a back stop because of the unskilled catchers.

HOWEVER, if you plan on working HS, JV, or even Pony (13-14 yo) i highly suggest the inside protector for reasons stated before. Mainly since it makes you look more professional and your appearance and professionalism is more closely scrutinized as you move up.