Eye Protection

[kcg NC2Ablu]

Originally Posted by outathm

I noticed in the first game of the championship series that the Plate Umpire put on a pair of glasses in the later innings. Clear lens, but not obviously prescription. I have been using safety glasses for a few years now and find it is a great help on the dusty/windy days. I was curious if anyone else in here uses them also.

its a great sub especially when your being evaluated by someone who hates sunglasses behind the plate. I use the oakleys with clear lenses when I am in that situation and they work well.

By the way the Arizona state catcher shares your idea

[DaveASA/FED]

I wear the Coyote Durango sunglasses with the amber lenses all the time. They deaden the glare from the sun, highlight the yellow ball and keep the dirt/dust out of my eyes! Hard to beleive but I actually see better through them at night games then without them. They really don't darken things much, if at all, and the highlighting of the ball makes it more than even out. As NC pointed out I also have the clear and dark lenses....got an old pair I wear with dark lenses for driving and other things outside, but a new pair with amber lenses in a hard case in the equipment bag just for umpiring!! Carry a couple of lens cleaner packs (like handi-wipes) in my ball bag on either hot or really windy days for cleaning inbetween innings if needed and never had any issues!

Edited to add: One thing that is important to me (and most evaluators I have had) even though you can see my eyes through the amber lenses I take them off whenever a coach approaches me for a conversation, maybe not 100% for subs but if they want to "talk" I am looking them in the eyes not through my glasses, just seems like common courtesy to me....personal bit*ch but I hate it when someone has dark or mirrored glasses and they are discussing a play with a coach...just seems disrepectful to me not to look them in the eye when you talk to them....can't tell if you are rolling your eyes or what! Ok rant off*