Went to watch tonight. Here are a few observations..


Out of the 142 teams in the tournament I have seen have not seen any really dominant teams all seem to be pretty equal on most part and have not seen that dominant pitcher yet that can mow everybody down. They must all be up in the Gold level of play

Have not seen an umpire yet address wearing of the uniform correctly. Every team I have seen has had several players with the shirts out. If we are not going to enforce it at NATIONALS why bother with it at local and regionals...

Then why should we enforce the girls to properly wear uniforms when I noticed at least 2 PU in the last games wearing base pants doing plate and 1 BU wearing plate pants
Also notice some umps using the blue ball bags and some wearing gray

Do like the Navy blue shirts with the gray pants. I believe it much better looking and professional looking then the powder blue with navy that they are using for the day games

Worst Call: caught 3rd strike foul tip. Umpire says it is just a foul ball batter still up with 2 strikes. Coach argues for a few seconds and gaves up.....


JMOs'


Don

I hate being the fashion police. I understand the reason (at least for the batter), but, still, I don't like it. In Championship play, I enforce the rule, but not otherwise.

Nothing bugs me more than umpires out of uniform - and little things like a gray ball bag is being out of uniform. If you can't afford a new ball bag, don't do the game! As to the base/plate pants - do you know what the changing facilities were, and whether the umpires had time & privacy to change pants? Changing in front of fellow Blues (even mixed gender) is no big deal, but changing in view of fans & players is another matter.

Inexcusable anywhere - x10 at Nationals!

Sorry, but no where does it say shirts must be tucked into the pants. And just because us older folks believe that to be the "proper" way to wear a uniform shirt, unlike a cap, you cannot show that is the manner in which the manufacturer meant it to be worn.

Quote:

Then why should we enforce the girls to properly wear uniforms when I noticed at least 2 PU in the last games wearing base pants doing plate and 1 BU wearing plate pants Also notice some umps using the blue ball bags and some wearing gray Do like the Navy blue shirts with the gray pants. I believe it much better looking and professional looking then the powder blue with navy that they are using for the day games

With the exception of fellow umpires, no on out there would even know the difference. Personally, I don't see the big deal. The ball bags are a different issue, however.

I have an umpire working this tournament, and the official uniform is powder over navy which is the uniform I prefer.

As far as the ball bags are concerned, I agree they should be standard with the uniform, but this may not be the umpire's fault. The book says the blue bag is the "official" bag, but this year, OKC stated that a grey bag was permissible with grey pants.

Quote:

Worst Call: caught 3rd strike foul tip. Umpire says it is just a foul ball batter still up with 2 strikes. Coach argues for a few seconds and gaves up.....

Hope that wasn't my guy :)

Went back again tonight
 

Saw the teams were wearing there uniforms "properly" tonight did not see any of hanging shirt tails

Umps were wearing powder blue with the gray slacks tonight the only thing noted was all the PU were using gray ball bags tonight. Looked much better with all the umps using the same color

Saw 1 dominant pitcher tonight her fast ball radaring 61mph
and good off speed hitting 49mph

Few disagreement tonight on judgement calls but overall look like a good night at the ballparks for the blues

JMOs

Don

Re: Went back again tonight
 

Talked to an umpire working this tournament. Told me the uniform is supposed to be powder over navy for day games, and navy over gray for night games. Ball bags are suppose to reflect the pants being worn.

Mike,

Just got a letter from Jim Craig. It says our specific uniform for the Mens B fast pitch will be Powder Blue over Gray pants. Ball Bags will be navy. We will work all three man games.

Now, to me, that combination is butt-ugly. However, I believe the next major change in uniforms may very well lead to this combination. And will lead to the embarassment for some umpires who sweat heavily.

JMHO,

Two guys from Phoenix are there also...I hope it was neither one of them!

Re: Re: Went back again tonight
 

Talk about unfair! It's expensive enough to have multiples of everything for long tournaments, let alone multiples of two completely different uniforms. Defeats the point of "uniform".

Powder over gray might be the least attractive, but many people are hung up on it being the least heat retentive and it is the current NFHS "uniform", so it's available.

Re: Re: Re: Went back again tonight
 

Personally, I've worked hot and humid places in long blue pants, but usually wear shorts during the summer and I do not believe there is as much difference between the two. Remember, those who have been pushing for the grays are the same people who were also trying to shove the dark blue shirt down our throats. Since heat rises, doesn't one argument (dark shirts) make the other (light pants) inane?

If you want to stay cooler during the game, just stay off the dirt. I walk to the grass between every play and during any delays. The difference in the temperature is unbelievable when you don't have the reflection from the skinned infield hitting you.

I believe there are two things here.

1. Some umpires are basing their beliefs more on being cool than feeling cool. I'm getting real tired of hearing about how WUA umpires dress. For that matter, the more I see MLB umpires, the lousier I think they look.

2. Convenience for those who work baseball and NFHS. I don't give a damn about baseball, NCAA or NFHS. I work ASA, why should ASA make changes based on other organization's uniforms. And don't cry poor. If you are working those other games, you can certainly afford to purchase their uniforms.

Okay, guess I can step down off my soap-box now.



[Edited by IRISHMAFIA on Aug 1st, 2003 at 11:49 AM]

The "many people are hung up on it being the least heat retentive " comment did not include myself. Personally, I can live with most any uniform, but I am really tired not from different uniforms, but from every organization inventing a new uniform every other year as if they owned stock in the uniform companies.

To be much of an umpire and enjoy the benefits of a full schedule, I can't restrict myself to one organization.

COOL huh
 

If any if you are interested in watching the tournament live go to the following website click on bullentin board then on the left side index video stream you must have media player 9 to play the stream



http://www.fastpitchsoftball.net/index.htm




Let me know if it doesnt work


Don

That's the uniform required locally for ASA ball. We don't use either of the navy blue garments, except at national tournaments. Personally, I don't care enough to want to buy more stuff. Powder blue / gray with a navy ball bag (or any other single combo) means I don't double my uniform expenses.

And, what's with the guys requiring the ball bag and the pants match? Some folks just get carried away with silly requirements that just make other people spend more money.

My personal feelings on players/coaches uniforms:

Hats forward, shirt tails in. Nothing dangling. I was taught that proper is shirt tails in. If the umpire has to tuck in his/her shirt, so do the players.

Umpire uniforms at tournaments, especially Nationals:

Every UIC I ever had at a state, regional or National addressed the official uniform up front. The UIC at the Nationals ALWAYS looked at every piece I had included T shirts. There is NO excuse for umpires not being dressed alike. Each crew should check each other prior to games, we did. You get graded on appearance. I still think that powder blue over navy, with navy hats and navy ball bags looks the sharpest. I have always preferred the Elbeco shirt as I could get them heavy starched and military pressed before the Nationals. They looked good and lasted even in heat and humidity. I don't think grey pants are any cooler.
Any umpire that has a clue should be hydrating themselves days before any tournament and during the tournament. I can't believe that Garland doesn't have proper changing facilities for the umpires. Of course to me, nothing beats Lost Mountain here in Georgia where we have an air conditioned gym, conference rooms, and large bathrooms with showers! There's nothing like a shower and fresh clothes after a game! Then, hydrate and rest.

I was just watching "Fox Sports World Español". The have coverage of the Saltillo/Monterrey game on Béisbol Mexicano. The umpires are wearing navy shirts with black ball bags. There pants are white and are just to die for. But as fab as they look, I can't imagine how on earth they keep them cleaned and pressed.

And as for the sponsor logos on the back of the umpire's shirts... <i>no muy bonito.</i> <IMG src="http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/bandit.gif">

Looks like this discussion is still going on, so since I'm back from a week on the beach, I'll join in. Personal opinion is that the best looking uniform walking onto the field is the gray trousers, navy shirt, and navy ball bags (I wear 2 as I think it looks better). But, I'm one of those Mike referred to who sweat profusely. Many times in day games with gray trousers, I have walked off the field with front & back sweat wetness showing symetrically from a little above the knees to the top. Navy blue trousers do not give me this appearance. After taking the gear off, I can easily wring at least a cup of sweat from my T-shirts. For those who sweat like I do, Interra-wear shirts do no good at all. With the old Elbecco's or the powder blue we use today, I end up with a two-tone colored shirt. While my commissioner apparently thinks that nobody from his district should ever head to a national, I'd be more than willing to match my pre-game meeting attire & appearance with anyone. Growing up in a military environment, I know enough to make sure my uniform is better looking than it needs to be for any inspection.

I work a number of organizations - and I have the approved, proper uniform for each. Not that it matters here, but Pennsylvania Fed (PIAA) did not acept the powder blue shirt - we wear navy.

I like Mike's comments on the players' uniforms - I don't know how the manufacturer intended them to be worn. I don't either and have mentioned that at the pre-game with the caveat that any player without a tucked in shirt who's shirt gets hit as they bail is not likely to get 1B awarded - I must be convinced that the uniform is worn properly & all that - it is still a dead ball. This approach seems to put the onus back on the player, where I think it belongs.

Since I'm still in vacation mode, I think I've done enough work on this & it's time to have another cold beverage.

Steve M

Tourney update
 

Down to 6 teams now, best team I have seen is out of Minn, also 1 team from Ky, Fl, Ca, Mo & Ne. Cant believe no Tx's team has made it to the finals. Guess the local umps didnt do their job very well......LOL


Saw NTXblue last night he looked professional as always and hustling his butt off as always. Congrats to Gary for getting selected. Well deserved..


Have a good one

Don

Don,

I just started looking at the board after a long week at Nationals. It was extremely hot - 100 plus for a couple of the days. Tournament staff scheduled the Texas & other hot weather area umpires for the plate during the top heat of the day. (Mine were at 12, 2, & 4 on consecutive days.) Only one umpire went down due to the heat.

I met lots of blues from lots of places. Enjoyed the opportunity to work with some new blood - shared ideas and techniques - shared lots of tall tales, too!

As far as the uniform tucked in issue - Walt Sparks told us at the pre-tournament clinic that shirts were okay to be worn out if that was the design of the uniform. Only real concern should be those that are hanging loose - particularly the batter. Also, informed during play that "uniforms" only had to be similar - didn't have to be identical.

I forgot to add to my previous post the two rule infractions that seemed odd for 18U.

A team from Alabama showed up at Nationals without chin straps. Coach told blue that nobody had told them to wear chin straps all year!

Several teams from California and the upper midwest had runners called out for using the orange base after reaching 1B. Not just after reaching on a walk or base hit, but several pitches later using the orange to start from foul territory. Seemed odd that the runner wanted to start in foul territory - pushing themselves even further away from 2B. It led to blue being told to give a warning during the plate meeting!

The coaches of the "out" base runners complained about the calls being extremely "picky" & "cheap" for an 18U National. What other rules would they like us to ignore?

I know many of you would prefer not to have the orange base - but - we've got to call what applies. (No, it didn't happen in any of my games - thankfully.)

Gary,

No Texas teams made finals or simi-finals in the AFA Nats.
either.

Who worked the finals. Was one a lady from San Anne?

glen

The problem here is that you have teams that don't play ASA all year, get in through a qualifier and never really take the time to learn the rules.

There is absolutely no excuse for the coaches not to understand the use of the double-base. Picky and cheap only defines the coach's mentality and unwillingness to actually "know" how to play the game. How many of the "picky and cheap" coaches were men?

What's with "wearing base pants doing plate and 1 BU wearing plate pants"? I wear the same style for both and couldn't tell the difference on anyone else if I had to. I usually buy a larger than needed waist size and have them altered to ensure enough room for the shin guards I'm smart enough to wear (or if I gain weight). BTW, I hate the waistband on the ASA pants.

Another National, Comment and Question
 

Comment, just returned from umpiring an ASA National. Disappointed in the lack of caring for the "proper" uniform. Why are details, details, details pushed down our throats at the local level and then not at the National. Some of which can be directly pushed back to the UIC. No direction given on ball bags, just that if you wear 2 they must be of same color. We had everything from single grey, single blue, double blue, old style ASA logo, new style logo, Cloth bags, to vinyl bags. UIC should have "declared" what was to be worn and that would be the items worn. Cost=excuse=bs. Umpires are one of the kindest and freindlist groups to work with and be a part of, share/borrow. I'm talking ball bags here people, not under clothing. Shirts with additional items attached. Manufactures logo's sometimes tough to take off, those may be excusable but anything added by the umpire himself or herself should have to be removed. UIC's that make rules need to stick to them and enforce the uniform, not reward them and let them continue to work deep into the tournament. Uniforms = First Impression = Opinion = Attitude = Respect.

Question: Of the fellow umpires on this site that have had a chance to do a tournament of National levels or maybe multiple tournaments of National level how has the scheduling of games been done. Especially tournaments that typically start play on Monday or Tuesday and continue till the chamionship game on the following Sunday. Not mentioning weather, family concerns, or umpire health problems how many changes normally take place to an umpires game schedule during a national tournament?

Re: Another National, Comment and Question
 

I could not agree more. The gentleman I sent to the 18U told me they were told the ball bag was to match the pants. However, I can understand if an umpire doesn't have a gray ball bag if they never wear gray unless told long enough prior to the tournament to order and receive one.

Quote:

Question: Of the fellow umpires on this site that have had a chance to do a tournament of National levels or maybe multiple tournaments of National level how has the scheduling of games been done. Especially tournaments that typically start play on Monday or Tuesday and continue till the chamionship game on the following Sunday. Not mentioning weather, family concerns, or umpire health problems how many changes normally take place to an umpires game schedule during a national tournament?

In four NCs, I've only seen a schedule changed once (Interservice). Of course, in many NCs, the schedules are not posted earlier than the evening before that day's schedule.

And what I do not understand is the ump who nit-picks the players' uniforms but will wear a watch, not wash the caps or ball bags or understand Heather Gray is Heather Gray not charcol gray. I have worked two nationals and was very pleased with the UIC from the Maine, tough but very fair while the UIC at the other National seemed more interested in being politically correct and friendly, but in both cases the uniform was specified and I hope noncompliance was graded accordingly.

Re: Another National, Comment and Question
 

I was given the first day's schedule on check-in and the following days' schedules in the evening / late afternoon of the prior day. Rarely were there changes after that.

Regarding uniform issues, my biggest pet peeve is umpires who do not wear the proper uniform, or who don't take care of it to keep it looking professional.

At a national tournament this year, one of the top umpires in our area wore one of the mesh style hats with the "ASA" letters yellow with sweat stain. He would literally spit-shine his shoes (actual military spit-shine... and I know what that is!) but he wore this abysmal hat.

While it is true with ASA hats that have been used more than a few times you have to choose between yellow or blue letters, I went to the extra expense of buying 2 new hats for the national so the letters would be white. To say I was disappointed in this umpire is an understatement. Made me wonder why I bothered to buy new hats.

Maybe because you are a "<u><b>professional</u></b>, Don.....

glen