Hats

[mcrowder]

I think that if you have the mask loose enough that you can pull it forward and then over an 8-stitch cap, you have your mask too loose. JMHO.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by mcrowder

I think that if you have the mask loose enough that you can pull it forward and then over an 8-stitch cap, you have your mask too loose. JMHO.

If you can't pull it out and over, the mask is too tight or you are not using good technique. The mask is supposed to be worn loose.

[LakeErieUmp]

For so long (basically forever) I wore my mask like I did back in my HS and college catching days - nice and comfy snug. I never took the concussion or teeth-breaking foul (simply the luck of the draw).

But after reading your posts the past month or so I've gone to wearing the mask (Plus+ and an older DynaLite) much more loosely. It was a learning curve that's for sure. But now I kind of like being able to yank the thing off without my cap flying in another direction (that should have been my first clue that snugger is not always better). And on the days my contacts don't agree with me I can wear my glasses (tinted so they appear to be sunglasses- I'm not ready to get into the "hey blue how can you see if you wear glasses" comments) without them getting in the way either.

SO, thanks for the excellent advice on wearing the mask loose. I don't relish the 85+ back-slinger into the mask but I am morbidly curious as to what will happen.

[mrm21711]

Originally Posted by LakeErieUmp

SO, thanks for the excellent advice on wearing the mask loose. I don't relish the 85+ back-slinger into the mask but I am morbidly curious as to what will happen.

Nothing...the mask will spin around a little and you wont really feel a thing

[LakeErieUmp]

Now if you can just get my West Vest to slide around so I dont' feel anything when I get my WAY to frequent shots to my forearm!

[zm1283]

I was looking at old threads and I found this one.

I know beanies (2 stitch) are considered to be out of style. Are the 4 stitch hats the same way or are they more acceptable in your area?

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by zm1283

I was looking at old threads and I found this one.

I know beanies (2 stitch) are considered to be out of style. Are the 4 stitch hats the same way or are they more acceptable in your area?

Those are considered "plate" hats around here (even though they are "combo" in reality). It's acceptable for newer umpires to wear a combo cap for both bases and plate to reduce their start up costs.

[Tim C]

"I've heard tales of guys being able to do that, . . . "

Hardly a "tale" in my part of the country. Most all of the upper level umpires in the Portland area wear 8 stitch caps when working the plate.

Here is kind of what I tell umpires that are having "caps for laps" problems:

1) Your mask is much more important than the number of stitches in your cap.

2) If you use a "low profile" type mask you'll never be able to wear an 8 stitch cap.

3) Make sure your mask is worn loosely -- when you look down at the ground your mask should easily swing away from your chin.

4) When you buy a mask the FIRST thing you should do is remove the harness from the inside "ear" connections and move that connection to the outside of the ears.

5) Your mask should "hang" from the bill of your cap . . . under no circumstance should you wear a mask snuggly. When you take a foul ball off directly off your mask your mask should either twist around your head or even pop clear off . . . think of what happens when a Forumla 1 car crashes . . . parts fly everywhere . . . this disapates the energy of the crash (foul ball).

6) Learn (and practice) pulling your mask away from your face and then turning the chin area upwards to clear your cap. Practice, Practice, Practice.

7) Always where a slighly smaller cap when working the plate.