Gear for new umpire

[kylejt]

Actually, I think those high tops would be a good deal for some of the junior umpires I work with. Good protection, and dirt cheap. These kids grow through their shoes so quickly, it makes no sense to buy GD patent leather ones.

[PeteBooth]

What type of baseball games will you be umpiring?

If you are STRICTLY going to umpire games in which the particpants do not shave, then you do not have to by the "heavy artilliary" and you can get a starter package for around $200-250

Are you a member of an umpire association?

In order to answer your question IMO we need to know what type of ball you will be calling and whether or not you are going to be paid for your services.

Example: my first year of umpiring HS was what I call an "investment year" meaning the money I made from umpiring HS etc. went into bying good equipment, purchasing pants, shirts & accessories that were both mandated by my association and personal preference such as cold weather gear.

Each year after that I would add a few things. If you take care of your equipment, ie; mask, shin guards, chest protector, shoes, they should last you a while.

Pete Booth

[uxley11]

I bought a used West Vest Gold and Gerry Davis shin guards from Delaware Blue earlier. I also bought some Honigs plate shoes, POS Pants, and a dyna-lite mask from Wilson. This cost me a total of $293. Ebay is a lovely thing. I only plan on doing 8-12 year olds this year, but I was in a lot of pain with my Diamond DCP-U chest protector last year, so I decided since I will do high school games within the next 2 years I would get everything done with. I only did 9 year olds and I could still feel the ball with that protector. Go for the best right away, at least that's what everyone told me to do.

[kylejt]

Good job Ux.

Years ago, I too wore a Diamond protector. And I too took a foul ball from a nine year old. Right over the heart. I felt goofy (goofier?) for days. Tired, off-balance, etc. No way do I do any game without pro gear.

I'm worth it.

[DonInKansas]

The NB is the shoe I went with last year, and I love them. That's a hell of a deal too.....