umpire equipment

[Kevin Finnerty]

I think the approach is different if you are sure you will stick with it. It's also different if you jump in right at the high school level with no youth ball.

It amounts to $200.00 for crap you'll replace after one season or less of unnecessary risk; $335 for suitable comfort and protection for years of competitive umpiring; $550.00 for the ultimate in comfort and protection:

Cheap mask: $50.00; Good Mask: $80.00; Great Mask: $200.00
Cheap Chest Protector: $50.00; Good CP: $100.00; Great CP: $150.00
Cheap Leg Guards: $40.00; Good Leg Guards $75.00; Great Leg Guards: $100.00
Cheap Plate Shoes: $60.00; Good Plate Shoes: $80.00; Great Plate Shoes: $100.00