How did I get into this, when no one else still wears the heavyweight mask and real shinguards? :D

I've been using the hockey helmet in baseball for 2 seasons. I'll never go back. I don't like the fact that between innings I'm hatless, but at the same time this is an excellent incentive for me to keep my hair short in season.

Once adjusted properly so that the helmet fits right, it is highly comfortable and provides the best vision possible.

It's just a matter of time.

I agree with Steve, NFHS, NCAA,and ASA require hats. Maybe on the local level, you can get away with it, but not in Championship play. When I went to Mens B national last year, there were questions about the helmet. Answer was, Sure you can wear it, but you better have a hat underneath, that stays on you head.

In Michigan - for H.S. Baseball and Softball -

"The “hockey” style mask is allowed…The fact that when removed means an umpire will be without a hat is not a problem and will not affect tournament assignments."

Quote from Randy Allen, MHSAA Assistant Director for BB and SB in response to my e-mail to him a couple days ago.

Not posted to make a point; just to get the word out to Michigan umpires. Other NFHS umpires may want to contact their state associations to see if they hold the same position.

WMB

From Walt Sparks regarding TASO Umpires' use of the hockey style mask:

The hockey mask is OK. The hat should be worn as you enter the field, pre-game and when you exit the field. The hat doesn't need to be worn while the mask is on.

My question now is, where do you put the hat during the game? I still think that the old style mask with a hat has a more professional bearing. (MHO)

I guess they mean for you to tuck in your belt at the back
side...That would look cool. Maybe hang in on the fence,
so the ball would hit it or tangle up in it...Good question.

I wear an All Star Kevlar Helmet and have since they first came out. There is no trouble with wearing a hat although I wear a four stitch and it took some practice at first to keep it on. I have been using it for probably four or so years and would not go back. I have been hit on ocassion right on the bean and with the design on the front it deflects off to the side and keeps me from taking the blunt of the blow and no more having to turn the mask back around from the back of my head when it hits the ear protecter. They are a little spendy but what is a few dollars when safety is concerned. They especially work well when working with a clam shell back stop and the ball comes straight back down at you. I also take it off every time that we are supposed to and it goes back on just as easy as a face mask. If you have not tried one you should just to see how much better you can see out of them.

Hockey Face Makes and hats.
 

I recently purchased, for under $70.00, a Rawlings mask that goes up to a size 7 3/4 and it is a great fit and comfortable. I can easily use my ASA 4 stitch plate hat under it with absolutely no problem. My hat size is 7 5/8 so were not talking a little head under a large mask. I have opened the adjustment up to as much as I could on the straps and it works better for me than any mask I have had. The best part is the much better peripheral vision and I don't need to remove it every time a ball is fouled or in close to the plate. Like all things, personal preference is what everyone probably will, and should go by.

Here's what I do with my cap
 

I use a helmet mask and love it. I walk onto the field wearing my cap, and with my helmet under my arm. When the game starts I hang my cap on the fence, using a bungee cord. This is also quite handy for hanging my water bottle as well. In between innings, I'll take the helmet off and hang it, while I wear the cap. When the throw goes down, I put my helmet back on and hang the cap again. I haven't had any problems using this method, and I still manange to represent the association. I've heard no complaints.

Mike,

Thought you had left us! How things going. Maybe
this year we will get to call together. All the
other assignments were messed up by something or
other

Glad to know you like the All-Star kevlar, Ed. I've been thinking of getting one, and I was wondering about the vision. However:

"They are a little spendy but what is <i>a few dollars</i> when safety is concerned."

The lowest price I've seen for the helmet is $350. I guess your definition of "few" is different from mine!

"The lowest price I've seen for the helmet is $350."

Honigs has All Star hockey style helmets from $90 to the pricy Kevlar model at $400. Local sporting goods stores have Rawlings and Wilson models typically in the $80 to $140 range.

"I've been thinking of getting one, and I was wondering about the vision."

Peripheral vision is greatly expanded. When you try one on in a store you do not immediately notice the difference. I switched during a game last summer. I bought mine from a friend, who did not show up at game time so I started with my old mask (a big clunker purchased for baseball a few years ago).

The lights has just come on; the sun was setting over the left fielder. My eyes had adjusted to the light level. My friend show up and I went back on the field for the next inning with the hockey mask. I felt blinded; it was like daytime again. I was now catching the last of the sun in my eyes and I had to reposition to block it out.

You do not have the tunnel vision of a conventional mask. As others have noted, you start leaving the mask on during play. Because of the expanded vision, you forget that you have a mask on, which can override that automatic reflex of reaching for the mask. Because of tradition, I suspect that observers are going to question your ability to make a call with the mask on, so I still try to remove mine. But sometimes you forget.

WMB