How about because you look like a 1st grader who has pissed their pants when you sweat?

How about the accompanying dark shirt helps the umpire sweat even more?

How about the lack of contrast between the powder blue shirt and heathers makes for a very dull and unauthoritive look on the field?

Of course, just my opinion. You can disagree, but you cannot tell me I'm wrong.

I commented on it because in my view it is a silly rule change since nobody uses white.

And, as you explain the rationale, I am even more convinced it is silly. Somebody has a well-intentioned bug up their butt over the choices other people are making. As I said originally, get a life. Either that, or go after the real safety issue in the men's game - hot bats.

Sure I can... you're wrong. See? That wasn't hard! :D:D:D

Actually, you would be wrong. I saw just as many white balls, maybe more, than optic yellow in the past year.

They did. They want to make Gorilla Gold legal so the players won't have to carry around the syringes they use to inject it into the glove :D

I said several times my comments were from a JO fastpitch perspective only.

But the rule change applies to all, not just JO.

At times, yes.

Depends on when they're worn. It's best to pick your spots for these.

I believe uniform colors have less impact on this than athleticism and how an official carries him/herself on the field.

This last statement is something I must disagree with. While the uniform does not make the umpire better, a professional appearance does greatly influence how others will perceive you. Ask any soldier, "does polishing your boots make you a better soldier?" The answer is, "yes, because I polish my boots." There is NOTHING like a sharp-looking umpire on the field, and while a sharp uniform will not make your calls better or give you a greater understanding of the rules, it will influence how you are perceived on the field.

I'm no fashion expert. I leave that to my wife. However, the heather grey and powder blue is such a bland combination that it gives the umpire zero presence on the field. On the other hand, I'd hate to have ASA completely change up the uniforms. I've already got over $750 invested in shirts, shorts and pants alone, and I'm not about to spend it all again.

That's not sweat. That's real urine, cuz I just found out I'm gonna get to see SRW's flying safe sells from 58 feet away (that's assuming I trail the runner at least two feet up the line).

I can disagree and tell you you are wrong.

There is nothing inherently unauthoritative about heather gray.

If there is anything ruining the "authoritative look" that would be power blue, which is associated with a baby.

Gray is used at every level just fine.

All one has to do is google an umpire in gray vs blue.. its not even close in what looks better.

If you want a dead on authoritative look, go black shirt, gray pants.

http://www.txsoftballhalloffame.com/100_0113.jpg


http://www.cowboyjoewest.com/Joe%20West_sm.jpg

there is no comparison.

Get away from the coed beer leagues irish, there is real ball being played.

I didn't mean to imply that looking sharp and professional wasn't important. I lump that into "how an official carries him/herself on the field". My mistake for the lack of clarity. I just don't think that color plays nearly as important a role as other factors, like the ones you point out yourself. IMO, looking sharp, like good judgement, hustle, and rules knowledge, should be a given for anyone wanting to be good at what we do. But it's only the starting point. As I'm sure you know, dealing with the unexpected and good game management is where our bones are made; regardless of how much your sweaty grey pants and powder blue shirt fail to compliment each other.

Hey, McCain, or are you Obama? Doesn't make any difference. Nice try, but I did not say the heathers were unauthoritative (thank you for spelling correction), did I. I stated an opinion that the combination with the powder blue shirt were.

Yet, the powder (you're welcome) blue shirt is still the official uniform shirt for many baseball and softball associations around the country, if not the world. We must be a bunch of panty wastes. :D

Sure, if you don't sweat.

Well, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but there are quite a few that disagree. And if I remember correctly, the last time those two fought, the blue won.

Again, I disagree, but just as you are, I am allowed. And if that is THE look, why is it your heroes where so many different colored shirts throughout the season?
A plate jacket. How cute! BTW, I've never understood the purpose of putting a number on an umpire's uniform. I thought the umpire was supposed to be invisible, so why a need to (for what I'm sure your answer is gonig to be) identify them?

Since you guys are exchanging spelling corrections, I thought I'd toss this in...

Unless you are talking about your laundry, the word is pantywaist. ;)

BTW, on wade's pic of the MLB umpire... it is the point that gives him the "authoritative look", so... nevermind... :cool:

It's the MLB's authoritative version of "pull my finger."

http://www.cowboyjoewest.com/Joe%20West_sm.jpg