Additional Notes from Umpire Committee

[Andy]

Originally Posted by umpirebob71

I really hope that the ASA comes out with new fabric for their shirts. The ones we have now breath about as well as cast iron, and are nearly unwearable in high heat and humididty.

The gentlemen from ASA Properties that spoke at the committee meeting noted that this has been a much requested item by the umpires. As Irish noted, the issue is durability vs price.

There are materials out there that have moisture wicking properties and are much lighter weight, but the cost of the shirt would increase signifigantly, and again, the durability issue comes up. they don't want to put a new shirt our there that costs more, but doesn't last as long. As an example, I purchased a new shirt with my HS association logo, it is much lighter weight, but costs twice as much as the ASA shirt.

The other thing to remember is that ASA has not raised the price of the shirt since it was introduced.

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by Andy

As an example, I purchased a new shirt with my HS association logo, it is much lighter weight, but costs twice as much as the ASA shirt.

Some of that higher price may be due to the licensing agreement with the state HS athletic association. (And maybe some price gouging by the retailer).

In these parts, the HS logo is mandatory on shirts. I can buy a Cliff Keen shirt with the logo for $45. The same shirt without the logo is $35. Or, I can buy a Smitty's brand shirt (very lightweight, soft and comfortable) with the logo for $40. The same shirt without the logo can be found for $25-$30.

And there is one retailer that for the past few years has offered the Smitty shirts, with the state logo, at a "pre-season" sale price of $25!

My ASA shirts are cheap ($25), have proven durable and look good even after a few seasons. They are not nearly as soft, breathable or comfortable as other shirts I have. The fit is tighter than than other shirts of the same size, the sleeves tend to ride up on me and the collars seem too big and "flappy". But they do seem nearly bullet-proof- I'll give you that!

The lighter brand shirts with the wicking material that I have seem to be holding up fine. Personally, I would be willing to spend a little more for a better fitting, more comfortable shirt.

[Dakota]

Would it kill them to offer a choice? Or to license the major brands (e.g. CK, etc.) to add the logo?

All this alleged worrying about durability of the shirts... what about those heather gray Flechs that fade to pink inside 2 years? How about paying some attention to THAT?

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

I'd like to see ASA embrace flex fit caps - much easier to order without the worry about the variance of fit you get with the current ASA caps.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

I'd like to see ASA embrace flex fit caps - much easier to order without the worry about the variance of fit you get with the current ASA caps.

You mean these?

ASA Properties, Inc.

I don't know if it's approved for a National, but they do have them.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

You mean these?

ASA Properties, Inc.

I don't know if it's approved for a National, but they do have them.

I wore the Flex fit at my national last summer and nobody said a word, nor was anything noted on my evaluation.

On a related note, some new shoes were also presented at the committee meeting. They are the New Balance shoes that the MLB umpires wear. Complete with the big, white N on the side and a white sole.

When the obvious question was asked (what about all the white), the answer given was that if we wear the same stuff the MLB guys are wearing it helps our umpire's credibility. I'm not so sure about that.

It was mentioned that ASA will try to work with New Balance to produce the shoe in an all black model, but no guarantees at this time.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Andy

I wore the Flex fit at my national last summer and nobody said a word, nor was anything noted on my evaluation.

On a related note, some new shoes were also presented at the committee meeting. They are the New Balance shoes that the MLB umpires wear. Complete with the big, white N on the side and a white sole.

When the obvious question was asked (what about all the white), the answer given was that if we wear the same stuff the MLB guys are wearing it helps our umpire's credibility. I'm not so sure about that.

It was mentioned that ASA will try to work with New Balance to produce the shoe in an all black model, but no guarantees at this time.

Ump-Attire.com does have the shoe you're probably referring to, and it's "all black" (not really). By "all black," they mean that the logo only has the silver border, but the big MLB logo is still on the tongue and on the back of the shoe.

That's why I have Sharpies.

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

You mean these?

ASA Properties, Inc.

I don't know if it's approved for a National, but they do have them.

I was thinking in terms of the wool cap....

[umpirebob71]

I would be more than willing to pay the price for a more comfortable uniform shirt. Like Dakota said, give us the choice.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by umpirebob71

I would be more than willing to pay the price for a more comfortable uniform shirt. Like Dakota said, give us the choice.

I second this sentiment.

I pride myself in taking good care of my uniforms and equipment. I'd prefer to have something that looks great out there and is comfortable in the warmer NC summers. The current shirts breath a little, but I know there are better options out there.