Plate Coat
 

My apologies if this has been discussed before. I'm considering investing in a plate coat for next season. I work a full HS schedule starting in late January.
For those out ther who have them; What is the feedback from fellow umps, coaches, players, and spectators? Is it ooos and ahhhs, or jeez who does this guy think he is? Do you wear them all the time or for just the big games?
Are they comfortable? Where should I buy it?

Many thanks for opinions.

Mike C

I wouldn't worry about the reaction of people. All I know is there's no better way to work a plate in cold weather than in a plate coat.

Thumbs up from me on the plate coat. They look good, and if it's cold and you don't like wearing gloves you have a place to keep your hands warm! As for fans and players and coaches noticing - they don't.

JJ

I have a Navy and a black (courstesy of Rich) If its cold, it's the way to go. I wear a plate coat on really cold games or a long sleve shirt if it's a lil chilly.
No more tucked in pullover behind the plate for me.
also, I think only the true baseball fans even notice.

Hehehehe
 

Obviously I wore a plate coat behind the dish for 41 seasons.

Once you learn how to use it you'll never go back.

I was taught that you wear a plate coat for every game that MAY finish under the lights . . . I also wore mine whenever I could.

Good luck.

T

I get a lot of positive comments when I roll with the coat.

It's comfortable and warm. I wear an oversized Under Armour shirt OVER my chest protector, for extra good looks and comfort. The coat glides over the shirt, instead of catching on the c/p. It's a nice feel.

The coat conveys a message. It says I've been doing this a long time, and I know what I'm doing out here. It's not a garment for rookies, nor novices. You should earn the coat, IMO.

As for every time under the lights, it's still pretty warm here in San Diego most evenings. In fact, I can only bust out the coat on a handful of games per year. I still dig when I can.

Other people think it looks good and I freaking love it. I wear it every chance I get. I have a navy one and two years ago I bought a black one from Honig's and I love it. I still might get it tailored a little, but it is awesome.

Starting next year, it's mandatory for college games in the northeast, and nobody's complaining about it.

Wow! I'd be complaining, because if it's above, say, 64 degrees, it's pretty toasty in the coat. Perhaps it's just mandatory to have one in your bag.

it is mandatory if you are going to wear a coat--you can go shirt only but if you are wearing a coat doing the plate it has be a plate coat.

Although admittedly a small minority of people have one, I have to say it seems like plate coats have made a bit of a comeback in the last few years. Nice to see IMO.

Although for most of us, they never went away.

Many thanks gentlemen. You have confirmed what I suspected. I think I have earned it, although there may be those who dispute that. I hinted to my wife that I would like one for my birthday next month. We'll see how that goes.

Mike C

Tell her you'll autograph a ball for her ;)

JJ

I know one guy in my assoc who has one and has used it in one game we worked together. I would love one but can't justify the cost in my mind. It just not cold enough around here most of the time.

For cold weather I wear long sleeve UA under a long sleeve shirt and am fine for plate work on most days. Every now and a blue moon a jacket is needed but I can generally count those games on one or two fingers per season. Those are games I would wear gloves if on bases.

I have never seen a plate coat worn by the guys in my group. I actually have never seen one close up. I was wondering, Do you wear ball bags with a plate coat or does it have big pockets for the balls?

Pockets. At least on mine. I think they are all that way. I have worn one for about ten years now. I love it and wear it whenever I can. Agree that no one really notices though.

Yeah, the pockets are lined with heavy duty material, and bellowed to make them able to accept baseballs. The whole coat is constructed for the job. Even the arm pits are vented

The pockets of the plate coat are built sturdy for the purpose of being ball bags. Don't wear ball bags with a plate coat.

Oh, ball bags for sure. And wear two. And be sure to take a picture and post it here.:D

ummhmm...there's one in every group.:rolleyes:

That's our MrCynic for ya.......:D

And please have a raft with you and make your plate coat a nice dark red color :D

Careful JK. Obvious attempts at humor, even when accompanied with a "smilie", seem to result in name calling.

Now wait a minute, JK. I had one of them there red plate coats years ago (back when I was a size 38)! :p

I don't have a raft to use, but now I know when to wear those leather ball bags I purchased.:D

Now you're getting it. ;)

No, those are for working the bases. Only leather ball bags on the bases.

New Mechanic
 

I heard FED was deciding to let only base umpires with big short handled brooms wear leather ball bags, if you use a normal brush you have to wear an Ultimate bag from UmpAttire... in back

A question
 

Was it velour or crushed velvet?

That would make sense since that would be the only approved base and pitcher's plate brush.

Okay, that's enough everybody...or "Steven Tyler" will pop an artery.:D

Anyone here know of a service that will dye a plate coat from navy to black? Have heard that you cannot do it and that you can. Any help or link to someone that has done this successfully.

I can't imagine the savings would be worth the effort, or even the look when it's done.

:D:D Crushed velvet would have gone nice during the disco years :D:D!!!!
Actually, in the day, it was not bad. Now, it looks gawdy and I wouldn't be caught dead in it - much like the red shirt that sits in the bottom of my gear box. Remember too, jacket were also worn on the bases in the "show" and in big amateur games.

Awwww, tell Stevie to take some Tums, and call us in the morning.

Just get a black one...with as much as you've slimmed down that old blue one won't fit anyway!

JJ

PS That way we can take the blue ones to Florida...

Where in the Bay are you at? I might one day be close enough to show ya!