Umpire Gear

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by argodad

I saw a MLB game a week or two ago in which the Plate Ump was wearing a HSM and an old-style plate coat. Looked very weird.

We have one oldtimer around here that uses a hockey-style mask and an outside balloon chest protector. Now that is a strange combination!

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by BretMan

We have one oldtimer around here that uses a hockey-style mask and an outside balloon chest protector. Now that is a strange combination!

I'll see your oldtimer and raise you a newbie.

First tournament of the year for us and we're breaking in a couple of new umpires. My partner shows up to a field that I had been working. I'm now going to bases, and he'll do the plate. He's carrying his mask and CP.

I asked him why he didn't put on his CP in the parking lot with his other gear. Says, no problem, I'll just put it on now, and proceeds to start to put it on over his ASA shirt. No, no, I tell him. The CP goes UNDER the shirt. He's a bit miffed, but complies.

Then he tells me he doesn't wear a hat when he wears a mask (which might be the first time at this tournament). I said a hat was mandatory - no HSM, just standard mask. He's miffed again, but tries it. Hat on, mask on, mask off including an embedded hat. OK, I tell him to ditch the hat.

He told me he had his leg guards on. Good, I said and noted they were being worn under his pants.

He did have a white t-shirt on under the navy shirt. I mentioned that to him. Claims he didn't have a navy t-shirt. I told him he'd have to buy one. Miffed again, he says he's already down over $400 and doesn't plan to buy a navy t-shirt.

I briefly considered asking him if he had a cup on, but just as quickly decided I didn't really want to know. TMI.

As far as his first game, on a scale of 10, he's a 4. Lot's to learn, including not standing right behind the catcher fiddling with his mask while pitcher is warming up. I had to intervene in that case just to make sure he didn't leave the field on a stretcher.