Uniforms

[cmcallm]

What do all of you think about the umpire that has one shirt with a velcro patch sewn on to affix whatever patch-of-the-day he happens to need? Personally, I have a closet full of shirts with an array of patches permanently attached. Not only that, but I have different shirts for the plate and bases (same for pants). I think it looks more professional to have the right sized shirt with a neatly sewn patch on it. Are we asking too much of umpires to get a few shirts, or is money such an issue that we just can't afford it? Is this even worth talking about?

[Stan W]

you see a lot of different things when you umpire multiple organizations...I have done games with partners who, like you pointed out, have one shirt and velcro the appropriate patch on for whatwever game we are doing....now Im a bit of a perfectionist so I, like you, have a diferent shirt with the patches sewn on.....does it make me a better umpire...no....does someone who velcros the patch on seem less professional?...no...worked with plenty of partners who velcro a patch on and are professional looking umpires.....I rather have that than the guy who wears the wrong patch/hat combo because he wont buy the proper gear or a guy who doesnt wear any patches at all.....and you run into plenty of those guys as well...............so is it a non issue?....maybe....depends on your association....if they let them get away with it........yup then its a non issue....ps....its not what they do, it's what you do that counts.......

[PeteBooth]

Our association is different. The Leagues we service (Legion / Men's Leagues / Sandy Kofax / Babe Ruth / Mickey Mantle/ etc.) require an umpire to be certified through the local High School Association. I belong to the New York State HS association.

With that said, we can wear our HS uniforms throughout the year. Presently, in New York, we wear the Cliff Keen PRO Blue Pullover with the NY State insignia on the left pocket side. In the cold weather we can wear the Black Pullover and again the NY State insignia on the left side. Therefore, no need to have Velcro and have "umpteen" patches for the various leagues we service.

I have 2 shirts. One Extra Large for the Plate and 1 Large for the bases. They are machine washable so they are always neat and clean. Presently I believe all associations use the grey Feckinheimer (sorry if I mispelled) pants.


The only other set of shirts I have is for LL, which has the LL patch on the left sleeve and the American Flag on the right sleeve. POS carries the official LL shirt.


We have 1 assignor for all of our clients and we are in "Uniform" with each other. If you are certified, why the need for different patches? Do you have various assignors?
Do these leagues require you to wear a special patch?

Pete Booth

[dani]

Imagine the minimum is needing to have a dark blue, light blue and red for both the plate and bases. Now add 4 more shirts for the new MLB issue black and cream shirts. That adds up to 10 shirts for each league or association. Also to be considered are matching pullover jackets and plate coats. Folks, my truck is already way too full.

For the most part, I utilize snaps to attach my patches to the shirts and jackets that I wear. The number of games worked for a particular association should factor into whether a shirt with an affixed patch is required. Another factor should be the level of ball and amount paid per game.

[cmcallm]

Let's see. I have two plain dark blue, two plain light blue, two plain red, two with Frontier League patches, two with Illinois High School patches, two with Missouri Valley patches, two with ABUA patches, and a couple extras for good measure. Then there's a plain pullover, one with an MVC patch...a plate coat...a sweater...not to mention half a dozen red t-shirts and half a dozen navy t-shirts...
and the hats! Whoa! And shoes. Too many shoes!! I think I was Imelda Marcos in a former life!!! I think I'd better close this thread. Or hold a clothing sale...