Wearing glasses

[SWFLguy]

Interesting thread as I wear a pair of glasses to read and
a pair for driving that are also bi-focals. However--so far I have not
needed glasses to umpire !
When I am at the plate-- I simply count the batting order and
subs-- then I fold the paper over and write the team name in
my own code short hand. As any subs are mentioned- I write
it on the blank side of the paper large enough that I can read it.
If there is a problem with the batting order I can still sort it out.
My Honig's card has places for "trips" and courtesy runners that
do not require magnification.
If my eyesight gets worse--I'll probably have to wear glasses.
PS-- I do not wear any sunglasses. The "old school" in me says that is a no-no--although I work with a lot of umpires who wear them.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

However--so far I have not
needed glasses to umpire!

Well, that's not what some of us have heard. (just kidding)

And, yes, BuggBob is called Goggles Bob by many of us We're trying to encourage him to get a new pair every year (just kidding again - Bob has a lot of time to post because of ALL THE FRIGGING RAIN UP HERE!!!).

I have worn glasses almost all of my life. I umpired my first game when I was 14...earned all my beer money in college from umpiring...and went through baseball to a fairly high level in what we shall call a previous lifetime.

I've worn glasses forever and as far as I know the glasses have never been considered any sort of encumbrance to working any level of ball.

[DaveASA/FED]

I wear contacts all the time, couldn't read the catchers number without them....well maybe the big one on her back....but anyway. I have worn my glasses at times with very little issues, other than the 'I didn't know you wore glasses' comments! I do however almost always wear sunglasses. I started doing it a few years ago and fell in love with it. Allows me to concentrate on the ball more IMO, they are the amber lenses so they are not too dark just cut down the glare and allow me to see that yellow ball even better! One other thing I notice is it keeps the dirt out of my eyes. I seem to notice a lot of dirt bouncing off the catchers glove when there is decent speed on the pitcher and the ground material is just the right mix of moisture and I don't have my glasses on! Of course I take them off anytime I am addressing a coach or player to allow eye contact when communicating.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

I do not wear any sunglasses. The "old school" in me says that is a no-no--although I work with a lot of umpires who wear them.

I am the same way.