What do you take to a National?

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

Ok we haven't gotten this started this year, so here it is. What do you take to a national with you. Conversation with derwil made me start thinking of "my list" and how many of each item I take (most of which I never use, just ask my wife). But last year was the first time I had to fly to a national so it really made me place a priority on items that I took...before I had the vehicle packed full of everything, kitchen sink was left at home so suitcase could fit in but anything that related to umpiring was there.

So anyway what all do you take with you to a National Championship Tournament? And give numbers of items like hats, shirts, and pants just for completeness.

Mouthwash

[NCASAUmp]

Everything I have.

At my last SP National, I brought 6 pairs of pants, 6 powder blue shirts, 5 white ASA Under Armour Heat Gear shirts, 5 indicators, 5 brushes, 3 line-up card holders, 3 hats, 2 belts, 3 pairs of shoes, 6 pairs of socks, 5 or 6 pairs of compression shorts, and 2 cups. I also bring anything I need to maintain all of that: scrub brush and soap for the hat and plenty of shoe polish.

And my house was only an hour away.

I'm prepared. Always. I'm ready to completely change out my uniform at a moment's notice so that I never miss a beat.

[Bandit]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

5 indicators.

Holy crap. I don't own that many indicators I don't think. How could you possibly need 5 indicators in one week? You do know they feed you real food at these nationals don't you?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Bandit

Holy crap. I don't own that many indicators I don't think. How could you possibly need 5 indicators in one week? You do know they feed you real food at these nationals don't you?

Thanks for reminding me. I'm down to 4. One broke a few weeks ago.

Actually, one indicator is one I'll never use. It's my dad's old indicator from when he used to call ball with me. I keep it in my bag just to remind me where I'm from.

The other 4 were two indicators with the old white dials, which were replaced by two indicators with the optic yellow dials.

[Andy]

Lets see....I just bought some new gear specifically for my national this year, so I will take:

6 ASA Powder Blue Shirts
1 ASA Navy shirt (have been told these will not be required, but just in case)
4 pair Feccheimer Heather Grey plate pants
4 pair Feccheimer Heather Grey base pants
4 ASA caps (2 brand new, 2 slightly used)
5 Under-Armour type undershirts
4 pair compression shorts
2 pair compression tights
10 pair white tube socks
10 pair black tube socks
All of my plate gear and accessories ( I only have three indicators..)

I am driving to my national this year...After I pack the SUV, I think there will be just enough room for my wife to go with me....

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by Andy

Lets see....I just bought some new gear specifically for my national this year, so I will take:

6 ASA Powder Blue Shirts
1 ASA Navy shirt (have been told these will not be required, but just in case)
4 pair Feccheimer Heather Grey plate pants
4 pair Feccheimer Heather Grey base pants
4 ASA caps (2 brand new, 2 slightly used)
5 Under-Armour type undershirts
4 pair compression shorts
2 pair compression tights
10 pair white tube socks
10 pair black tube socks
All of my plate gear and accessories ( I only have three indicators..)

I am driving to my national this year...After I pack the SUV, I think there will be just enough room for my wife to go with me....

I have more shirts if you need them. (Seriously)

[DaveASA/FED]

Originally Posted by Andy

I am driving to my national this year...After I pack the SUV, I think there will be just enough room for my wife to go with me....

Wish I could drive this year....but it's WAY, too far (2,146 miles is all) for me to drive. But my wife (and daughter and her boyfriend(my daughters boyfriend not my wife's.. I'm making that guy stay at home)) is flying with me this year too. They should enjoy the area while I'm working!!!

[Andy]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

Wish I could drive this year....but it's WAY, too far (2,146 miles is all) for me to drive. But my wife (and daughter and her boyfriend(my daughters boyfriend not my wife's.. I'm making that guy stay at home)) is flying with me this year too. They should enjoy the area while I'm working!!!

Where are you headed, Dave?

Apologies if you have already mentioned on another thread...I just don't recall.

[ASA Ump MN]

Bump!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Andy

I am driving to my national this year...After I pack the SUV, I think there will be just enough room for my wife to go with me....

That is the LAST thing that I would take to a national and I mean it would never happen. I would also discourage umpires who are assigned to a tournament from taking anyone with them. JMHO

[Andy]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

That is the LAST thing that I would take to a national and I mean it would never happen. I would also discourage umpires who are assigned to a tournament from taking anyone with them. JMHO

Let's see....when my wife found out that I was selected for a National in San Diego, her exact words were....

"There is no way you are going to San Diego without me."

Didn't leave me a lot of negotiating room.....

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

That is the LAST thing that I would take to a national and I mean it would never happen. I would also discourage umpires who are assigned to a tournament from taking anyone with them. JMHO

Why? Do you feel spouses would be a distraction?

I've never seen a situation where a spouse puts pressure on the umpire to not be part of the staff when it comes to meetings, training, etc. And they stay away from the umpire area where crews conduct pregame, receive their postgame critiques, change clothes, etc.

Heck, if I took my wife with me to a National, the only time I'd see her is at the hotel for the evenings. She'd drop me off at the complex first thing, and then spend the day shopping, going to the beach, or taking in whatever attractions the host city has to offer. I'd be lucky if she were back at the park to pick me up afterward.

[shagpal]

for bad calls or bad breath?

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

Mouthwash

[derwil]

Deoderant and baby powder. One of my first SB tournaments was a rea scoarcer and I had the monkey butt for a week. Got home and wife told me that I had a noticable, pungent aroma (I believe she said "Holy crap you stink!") Now I got extras to keep the peace and keep comfortable.

[DeputyUICHousto]

Originally Posted by derwil

I had the monkey butt for a week.

After getting "monkey butt" once most never get it again. I use only vaseline. Sounds gross but it works better than anything I've ever used.

As for what to take to a National...EVERYTHING YOU OWN!!!

I'd take my jacket, a sweater if I have it...everything.

And if you're not familiar with it and will be calling in the heat take Spirits of Amonia, a small ice chest and some towels. This stuff can be a real life saver in the heat. Of course if you're asthmatic don't use it.