What do you take to a National?
 

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

Everything I have. :D

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.

for bad calls or bad breath? :p

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.

5 Indicators !?!?!?!
 

Holy crap. :eek: 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? :)

Ouch!
 

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.

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.

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....

Actually, Gold Bond Medicated powder is a very good solution.
On your break, take a field shower and change the tighty-whities.

On a slightly different note, in between games you should elevate your feet to get the blood out of them. In just 10 minutes, you will feel the difference and your next game will be much easier.

And, advice that was given to me by a UIC at Nationals is to take your mask off frequently; between batters, after foul balls and other short delays between pitches. Even if it only for 10-20 seconds, it provides for evaporation and reduces heat build-up on your face.

A new item that I keep in my ball bag is a powder blue ShamWOW. Not only does it allow for wiping perspiration on arms, face and neck, but I also wipe down the padding on the mask and the sweatband of my hat. The ShamWOW pulls the moisture out of the paddings making it feel much better throughout the games.

I am, and I do. I have never had problems as a result.

I can't comment on what to believe because I have only done basketball (boys' and girls') and boys' baseball at the national level, BUT, I can give you this one piece of advice if you are working a girls' game:

MAKE SURE YOUR ZIPPER IS PULLED UP BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE DRESSING ROOM!

And enjoy yourself.

MTD, Sr.

:D Voice of experience?:eek:

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

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!!!