ASA uniform in Colorado

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I couldn't disagree more with this comment. Considering the wear you get out of them, the cost in easily justifiable. Also, unlike the Elbeco shirt, these items are not just for softball or officiating in general. I wear a pair of Fechheimers (from ASA) 3-4 days a week and none are less than three years old and they look fine.

And remember, we are not talking about someone working rec ball for the extra income. We are talking about an umpire apparently committed enough to the game to work for and earn their way to a national tournament.

Yes, the Fechheimers are great pants for umpiring. But I'll be honest - I wouldn't be caught dead in those pants at work or any place other than the ballfield. They're just not stylish, Mike. Secondly, $45/pair is expensive, no matter how you slice it. I don't know about you, but few people are willing to shell out a couple hundred bucks unnecessarily.

Could he use the pants later? Sure. But it'd be better to wait until he knows for certain that he's not tossing his money away. After quitting smoking, I gained about 15-20 pounds, and I can't wear some of the same pants I wore just last year.

Don't waste your money. Wait until you know what pants you need and buy them quickly.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

After quitting smoking, I gained about 15-20 pounds, and I can't wear some of the same pants I wore just last year.

Dave's (NCASAUmp) to do list:

Quit smoking - check
Get a gym membership -

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Dave's (NCASAUmp) to do list:

Quit smoking - check
Get a gym membership -

Scott's to do list:

Pick on Dave - check
Eat a bug -

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Yes, the Fechheimers are great pants for umpiring. But I'll be honest - I wouldn't be caught dead in those pants at work or any place other than the ballfield. They're just not stylish, Mike.

I'm not trying to impress anyone. Don't need to because, to be blunt, I really don't give a damn what other people think of as "fashion". I dress for myself and the situation and the Fech work fine in an business office.

Secondly, $45/pair is expensive, no matter how you slice it. I don't know about you, but few people are willing to shell out a couple hundred bucks unnecessarily.

No, it is only expensive if your preference is shopping at high-volume stores where quantity is a bit more important than quality. Sure, you can spend $16-$20 for FlexSlacks every two years as oppose to $45 for a pair of slacks that will last 5 years, but I'll take the quality product over saving a couple of bucks and that really is simply a perception here.

Could he use the pants later? Sure. But it'd be better to wait until he knows for certain that he's not tossing his money away. After quitting smoking, I gained about 15-20 pounds, and I can't wear some of the same pants I wore just last year.

And who is at fault for that? Your bad habits should have a bearing on how other's purchase their wardrobe? What have you done with all of your non-umpiring clothes?

I have the same problem, but in the other direction. I've dropped over 5" of waist over the past 6 months. Okay, so I have to pay a tailor, but I'm still wearing my Fechs!

Don't waste your money. Wait until you know what pants you need and buy them quickly.

And what if they do not have them in stock? They made an allowance last year. Don't know if they will continue to do that every year.

[vcblue]

Maybe I will just email the UIC.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by vcblue

Maybe I will just email the UIC.

Have the UIC's been listed?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I'm not trying to impress anyone. Don't need to because, to be blunt, I really don't give a damn what other people think of as "fashion". I dress for myself and the situation and the Fech work fine in an business office.

Unfortunately, with my job, I don't have that liberty. I have to look sharp at all times. I can't even have a non-company logo on my shirt.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

No, it is only expensive if your preference is shopping at high-volume stores where quantity is a bit more important than quality. Sure, you can spend $16-$20 for FlexSlacks every two years as oppose to $45 for a pair of slacks that will last 5 years, but I'll take the quality product over saving a couple of bucks and that really is simply a perception here.

Quality is definitely better than quantity. That's why I have 3 navy blue Fechs and 3 grey Fechs. All of my shorts were bought from ASA, because I believe they sell good stuff. I don't umpire because I have to, I umpire because I want to. My wife and I do just fine with finances, so it's not that big a deal for me to buy the Fechs. However, not everyone has extra cash laying around to buy the Fechs, and diligence with your money is never a bad thing. Why spend more than you have to?

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

And who is at fault for that? Your bad habits should have a bearing on how other's purchase their wardrobe? What have you done with all of your non-umpiring clothes?

Oh definitely mine! But I took responsibility and have not smoked since Jan 1. As soon as my ankle heals up, I'll take the bases more so I can work off the extra poundage. I'm hanging onto the old clothes because, frankly, they're good stuff. I'm determined to fit into them again.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I have the same problem, but in the other direction. I've dropped over 5" of waist over the past 6 months. Okay, so I have to pay a tailor, but I'm still wearing my Fechs!

Kudos, Mike! Once you get over 30 years old (and I'm pretty certain you are over 30), losing 5" of waistline is a noteworthy accomplishment.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

And what if they do not have them in stock? They made an allowance last year. Don't know if they will continue to do that every year.

Then shame on them for not learning from their mistakes last year. Not all umpires who went to the Nationals last year will go again this year. There will always be new faces, and ASA needs to make sure that if they have a certain requirement, the requirement can be reasonably met. I got my assignment yesterday, and I'm planning on buying more pants as soon as I find out whether they're going with navy or grey. I was going to buy a couple more navy anyway, because I can afford to do so. Others may have to wait a month or two before the game fees start rolling in.