Tights for work behind the plate

[jdmara]

Last summer I umpired with a few guys that emphatically recommend wearing (loose fitting) tights while behind the plate. They insist that it is extremely comfortable and cool. Does anyone here wear tights for work behind the plate?

-Josh

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by jdmara

Last summer I umpired with a few guys that emphatically recommend wearing (loose fitting) tights while behind the plate. They insist that it is extremely comfortable and cool. Does anyone here wear tights for work behind the plate?

-Josh

"Loose" tights would be an oxymoron, no?

I wear long "copmpression" tights when workling the plate. They wick moisture away from the body and provide a degree of "protection" from irritation from shinguard straps.

[johnnyg08]

I think you'll find that anybody who's umpired for any amount of time, wears some sort of full compression under their plate pants. The increased comfort is something I'll never give up.

[MichaelVA2000]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

"Loose" tights would be an oxymoron, no?

I wear long "copmpression" tights when workling the plate. They wick moisture away from the body and provide a degree of "protection" from irritation from shinguard straps.

Ditto for the same reasons.

[Kevin Finnerty]

McDavid grays with a floating cup pocket on the plate and on the bases. The thigh and calf support they offer is just as essential on the bases. Because they wick the moisture away, they're actually cooler for your legs than nothing at all. They're not cheap, and they don't last forever (especially if you wash them in the washer), but they are essential.

(Never use fabric softener with any of your wicking compression gear or wicking uniform shirts. It ruins them. Also, the compression stuff lasts longer when you just quick wash them in the sink with mild soap and hang them to dry.)

[MajorDave]

Long gray tights for both bases and plate. McDavid hexpad shorts over those when behind the plate. Took a pitch and a foul ball directly to each leg/inner thigh last year in same game then again the next day. Bought these on advice of a college catcher I know/used to coach that is known for his ability to block everything in the dirt using any part of his body.

I highly recommend both.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by MajorDave

Long gray tights for both bases and plate. McDavid hexpad shorts over those when behind the plate. Took a pitch and a foul ball directly to each leg/inner thigh last year in same game then again the next day. Bought these on advice of a college catcher I know/used to coach that is known for his ability to block everything in the dirt using any part of his body.

I highly recommend both.

I have the hexpad tights, and I wear them too--especially at any varsity and above. The padding is seemingly thick, but once they're on, they're less detectable than any other gear. Very light. But I never tried the two-layer deal. Maybe it works in cooler weather?

[Durham]

I wear them too, but in black with the floating cup pocket. Lester's is the only place I can find em in black. And no hex for me.

[Blue37]

Originally Posted by MajorDave

Long gray tights for both bases and plate. McDavid hexpad shorts over those when behind the plate. Took a pitch and a foul ball directly to each leg/inner thigh last year in same game then again the next day. Bought these on advice of a college catcher I know/used to coach that is known for his ability to block everything in the dirt using any part of his body.

I highly recommend both.

The hex pads are extremely hot in the summer. I still wear them for the protection regardless of the temperature, but they are almost unbearable when it gets in the high 90s or low 100s.

[Hock9]

I wear black long underarmor tights on both plate and bases...."cold gear" in the spring; lighter-weight ones if it's warmer

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by Blue37

The hex pads are extremely hot in the summer. I still wear them for the protection regardless of the temperature, but they are almost unbearable when it gets in the high 90s or low 100s.

I have only worn them since the end of last summer, so I haven't given them the true test any higher than 85 or so, and I didn't notice. But if it's over 85, I'll use the regulars and take the risk. It's somewhat rare to have a straight shot right there. It usually bounces first and shoots up and those don't hurt.

[ozzy6900]

McDavid blue, at the plate & bases no matter what the temperature or humidity. Cup used in the cup pocket at the plate, no extra padding as if I get hit, the catcher is history! Heh,heh,heh!

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by jdmara

Does anyone here wear tights for work behind the plate?

-Josh

When I was younger all the players used to tell me how nice my pink tights looked when I wore them behind the plate. They looked so good with my heather grey TuTu and Navy top.

Twenty something years later and everyone starts complaining how bad they look now. Unbelievable. Guess its time to get a new pair. I understand they come in powder blue and ivory colors now. And I am allowed to use dark grey now for my TuTU. So many choices to make. It was much easier in the old days.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Why do you umpire when you should obviously write comedy?

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

Why do you umpire when you should obviously write comedy?

I get a lot less boo's umpiring. Except when I wear those dam pink tights.

Actually the first game of the season is Monday night and after a couple of seasons off I am really looking forward to being behind the plate again. Dressed properly of course.

Have a good season. And have fun out there.