Balkin' Bob Davidson...

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by David B

I agree with Rich. Often times I leave the mask on as I move about.

No sense in taking it off until I need to.

Thanks
David

I put this in the same category as a proper and clean and pressed uniform and shined shoes. I could do the same job in jeans and a tee shirt with my shinguards on the outside.

There are some things we do for the perception they create and the benefits they provide. Looking professional and focused on the game is important to the teams, coaches and fans, thus important to the Game.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by GarthB

I put this in the same category as a proper and clean and pressed uniform and shined shoes. I could do the same job in jeans and a tee shirt with my shinguards on the outside.

There are some things we do for the perception they create and the benefits they provide. Looking professional and focused on the game is important to the teams, coaches and fans, thus important to the Game.

Why does it look more professional, though? Why is it the norm to take it off when everyone in the park is focused on the ball, not the umpire?

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

...everyone in the park is focused on the ball, not the umpire?

You show me an umpire who goes to a MLB game and doesn't often pay attention to the umpires. Admit it. We ALL do it. Sure, I'm there for the game and the hope my struggling White Sox will actually win a game, but every umpire I know is lying if they say never notice what MLB umpires do.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by UMP25

You show me an umpire who goes to a MLB game and doesn't often pay attention to the umpires. Admit it. We ALL do it. Sure, I'm there for the game and the hope my struggling White Sox will actually win a game, but every umpire I know is lying if they say never notice what MLB umpires do.

You misunderstand -- I was referring to all the NON-umpires. I take it as assumed that all umpires are watching the umpires.

I learn from the ML umpires -- the latest knowledge is how U2's moved to taking plays from the outside at second base when the runner tries to stretch a single into a double. Great stuff, if you ask me.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

Why does it look more professional, though? Why is it the norm to take it off when everyone in the park is focused on the ball, not the umpire?

Read the whole sentence: "Looking professional and focused on the game is important to the teams, coaches and fans, thus important to the Game."

Why does it look better? Simple...compare an umpire moving toward a play with his mask on with one who has taken his off and is holding it in his as he moves. Which umpire, to the untrained eye, looks more focused on the action?