I was the PU on Wednesday. Got a call from my assignor this AM
telling me he had received a complaint from a "peeper" about me because I wore a beany cap as PU. I've attended national umpire clinics and aware that the four seamer is the preferred hat of choice, but mine doesn't fit under my mask. I really like the way the beany cap feels and it doesn't obstruct my vision as much as the full brow. I gettin hotter by the moment on this one with the assignor. I ask him if the "peeper" told him how many pitches I missed. He said no and I said that it was because there was <b>ZERO, NADA, NONE</b>(my partner asked me after the game how many pitches did I think I missed and I told him I thought I had missed one-only because of a coaches groam- and my partner said I didn't miss any). The assignor says I need to buy a new mask.

I feel for you man. But If you're going to do Federated, or even ASA at Tournament levels, then these assigners are going to want you dressed "by the book".
I don't know if I could stand a 4 stitch hat every day either.

I don't wear a hat now that I use the hockey style mask. Pre-season I asked M.H.S.A.A. Assoc Director (who is also on the NFHS rules committee) about this issue; if not wearing a hat would affect our tournament opportunities.

His reply: Tom: 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.

So at least in Michigan, it is not a big deal.

WMB

Whats next....they'll probably try to get rid of those balloon chest protectors. Brian

On the way back to my car from calling a HS game day before yesterday, I walked past the varsity baseball field. The plate umpire was wearing the plate coat. It looked very good, in a retro sort of way. Don't see those much anymore, either.

Just a wild thought... I wonder how the hockey mask would look with the plate coat? :cool:

Willie,
Is there a propeller on that beanie?

Temperature wise, there's no noticable difference between the beanie or even an 8-stitch - not when you sweat like I do, anyway. I gave up the beanie a long time ago and wear either a 6-stitch or an 8-stitch under the mask.

Willie, you should have asked your assignor if he's willing to buy you a new mask. I usually come back with smart remarks like that to make them realize I'm not going to cater to some whiny idiot.

Also, why are the softball associations slow to accept the hockey style masks? I mean, come on. Baseball already allows them. Do we have to suffer forever before we're allowed to wear them?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by WestMichBlue
[B]I don't wear a hat now that I use the hockey style mask. Pre-season I asked M.H.S.A.A. Assoc Director (who is also on the NFHS rules committee) about this issue; if not wearing a hat would affect our tournament opportunities.

His reply: Tom: 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.

So at least in Michigan, it is not a big deal.

WMB

I umpire softball and baseball. When behind the plate for a baseball game I wear my hockey style mask. I seem to get more visiability with this mask and stay cooler on hot days by not having to wear a hat with it. I also like the fact that if I take a ball off this mask it doesn't spin.

My softball UIC will not allow the hockey style mask on any softball fields that the association provides umpires for. The UIC has said that the hockey style mask if for baseball umpires and not for softball umpires. So for now life is such that it is.

Michael

I wear the two stitch behind the plate. I prefer it. The 4 stitch obstucts my vision through the top portion of the mask and also obstructs my quick removal of the mask. Also the mask puts some weight on the brim causing the hat to creep downward further over my forhead.

A phone call like that would have pissed me off. I am asa though - i dont know the rules for other leagues. My area has no prob with a two stitch.

The two stich isn't a hat.
 

Unless you're at Disneyland, like someone else has already pointed out.

I've not seen a mask that a 4 stich won't fit under. Purchase the equipment that is needed for your avocation/job.

My plate hat is an eighth size smaller than my base hat (fits tighter around my head). It therefore stays on better when I remove my mask.

I'm sorry, a 2-stitch just doesn't look good/professional. You might as well wear a navy blue bandana.

Plate coat
 

I wonder how a plate coat would look with a bandana?

I don't think a wrinkled up old 2-stitch would look any better.

A plate coat might be my purchase for next year; it will match my hat.