Do the participants really care how we are dressed

[bigda65]

Guys,

It must be an area thing. Last year our LL area held the district tournament. While I was checking the equipment, I overheard the manager tell his kids we had really good umpires today ( me and two of my brothers ). Now were we dressed to the nines? NO, but by the same token we weren't dressed as hobos either, I had shorts on that day because it was very hot and humid.
I did not know this guy at all, maybe word travels about umpiring ability.
By the same token, I think word travels about non umpiring abilities as well.
Maybe bad attire is the final icing on the cake as to completely sucking, but what is the difference if you hear "Looks really, really sharp but sucks on the field" ?

[kylejt]

Ha!

IF you were within listening distance, what you heard was the coach kissing up to you.

Shorts?! Umpire shorts? Really?

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by kylejt

Shorts?! Umpire shorts? Really?

I saw the Major League Lacrosse all star game on ESPN and the officials were wearing shorts. I've seen NFL officials wear shorts in scrimmages. Shorts in high school and youth football are common. In Summer basketball many officials wear shorts.

What is the big deal with someone wearing shorts to officiate baseball?

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by LDUB

What is the big deal with someone wearing shorts to officiate baseball?

Easy. In most other sports the officials are more (how can I put this nicely) athletic. Baseball umpires have lots of fellows that are under no circumstances allowed in public wearing shorts.

Here's a visual for you: Joe West wearing shorts at second base.

Case closed.

p.s. this goes for cops too.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by bigda65

Guys,

It must be an area thing. Last year our LL area held the district tournament.... While I was checking the equipment, I overheard the manager tell his kids we had really good umpires today ( me and two of my brothers ). Now were we dressed to the nines? NO, but by the same token we weren't dressed as hobos either, I had shorts on that day because it was very hot and humid....

Shorts? At a district tournament? It must either be an area thing or LL has a slowpitch softball division I don't know about.