Umpire pants

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Oh, to have a 34" waist again...

You and me both, Brother!

Earlier today I was looking on eBay for a good pair of used heather grey pants. Even though I don't have to have them, every once in awhile I get a partner that only has the heather and I would wear them just to match.

About three years ago I bought three pairs of heather Cliff Keen, figuring that I would be set for pants for a few years. The very next year, our state approved the charcoal grey for high school baseball and softball. Still got a few more miles out of the heathers, then they started "going pink" on me. I hate that look and will never wear them again. It's really a shame because other than the discoloration these pants are comfortable and free of any wear or tear.

Around these parts (central Ohio) both high school baseball and softball require grey pants and they may be either heather or charcoal. Our local ASA softball association requires navy blue long pants ONLY- no grey and no shorts.

Honigs sells a navy blue combo pant that I really like- very high quality, comfortable and durable. The Smitty's pants with the adjustable waist- I have their charcoal grey (which are a touch lighter than the Cliff Keens if you look at them side-by-side). No problems with them for me and I'm thinking of picking up another pair.

The Smitty's navy blue pants, I have had a problem with. Bought a pair on-line last year that was advertised as having the adjustable waist. When they arrived, they did not and were way too snug for me (unusable). I called the retailer and they in-turn called the manufacturer. The manufacturer told them that due to some last-minute manufacturing issue the navy pants were never produced with the adjustable waist- even though all of their advertising literature had already been sent out stating that they had it.

After checking several internet sites that sell these, some advertise that the navy Smitty's have the adjustable waist and some say they do not. One of the retailers that says they do is located a few miles from me. I plan on stopping in there sometime next week to see what they have.

[bob jenkins]

The Honig's have been sold, but I found a stash of +POS pants. 5 pleated, 4 plain front.

Also in good shape, but the color varies a bit compared to the Honigs. Nothing purple or pink though.

And, I have some Navy shirts (moslty size L), one light blue softball shirt (with the navy trim), and some red McDavid mock undershirts. All but 2 of the outer shirts have some patches, but they were sewn, not glued on.

Jenkins Robert L at att dot net

[JEL]

I just wish someone would make pants that don't shrink up in the off season!

[CajunNewBlue]

heather grey spandex... hrmmm?? might be a market for that.

[robbie]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

The Honig's have been sold, but I found a stash of +POS pants. 5 pleated, 4 plain front.

Also in good shape, but the color varies a bit compared to the Honigs. Nothing purple or pink though.

And, I have some Navy shirts (moslty size L), one light blue softball shirt (with the navy trim), and some red McDavid mock undershirts. All but 2 of the outer shirts have some patches, but they were sewn, not glued on.

Jenkins Robert L at att dot net

I have 1 pair of the original +POS pants. They are the BEST I have owned in my opinion.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by robbie

I have 1 pair of the original +POS pants. They are the BEST I have owned in my opinion.

Do you want to add to your collection? (assuming you are a size 34 waist, of course).

[robbie]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Do you want to add to your collection? (assuming you are a size 34 waist, of course).

Went from 40/42 to 36, but no, dont think 34 would work. Thanks though.

[BretMan]

Follow up on the navy blue Smitty brand combo pants...

I went to the "brick and mortar" umpire store near me today to check out the navy Smitty combos. This store advertises on their website (as many do) that the pants feature the adjustable waistband.

Greeted at the door by one of the owners, I asked if they carried these pants and he said they did. Then I asked if they have the same adjustable waistband as the grey Smitty pants. He assured me that they did.

He then pulled a pair from stock. On the label attached to the pants it says that they feature the adjustable waistband. We pull the pants out of the wrapper, take a look inside and....NO adjustable waistband!

The owner seemed quite surprised and assured me that he would be changing his advertising/web site accordingly (this is the second different store that I've gone through this with in two years).

I'm glad I double checked and tried these on in the dressing room. I wear a 36 in their grey pants with the adjuster and they are fairly roomy- not just in the waist, but in the thighs and legs. In the navy, I couldn't even button them and they were skin tight in the thighs and legs!

The pants themselves look great and seem well made. I bought one size bigger than my usual size and we'll see how they hold up this season.

[kleeds]

ASA umpires:

Remember if you work a national tournament and Heather Grey is the pant color then you need to buy the Fechheimers from Oklahoma City.

I worked a national last year and bought three new pairs of plate and base pants both and it will be a worthwhile investment for years to come as I wear them for High School ball as well.

I would also recommend purchasing your Navy Pants if that is your color for national from Oklahoma City as the NUS staff has had discussions about making the Navy's from OKC the only accepted pant.

Also, I purchased the navy shorts from OKC at love them. Much more flexible and comfortable for slowpitch then off the rack Navy shorts from Wal-Mart or K-Mart.

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by BretMan

In the navy,

You could put your mind at ease?