importance of wearing umpire equipment

[WestMichBlue]

I have never seen an umpire stupid enough to call from the slot without full equipment. So you know that they are out of position. I get very angry when I see an umpire with only a mask. Angry because he/she is hiding behind the catcher and, as Duke noted, skipping and flinching.

When you see an umpire like that you will quickly notice that the rest of their mechanics are bad and judgment and rules knowledge are also suspect.

The sad fact is that we just wouldn't play all the games if we didn't put every available body out there, regardless of their professional level.

WMB