Umpire 101: Uniform Basics

[@mae2759]

One thing for new umpires - see if there are any retired umpires in your area and get your equipment used. Will save you a lot of money! I like using 8 stitch hats for the bases, although they're hard to find sometimes. I've also found that folding my shirts and pants doesn't look any different than hanging. I like having them folded in my bag because they're easier to transport and they're not hanging in your car.

[@darinlegore284]

I work high school & NCAA ball in DC area for 27 years. I was shocked at how high our rates were ($95 for Varsity, $85 JV), when compared to rest of Country by how few qualifications one needed to immediately get assignments. When I started, you needed 3-5 years experience & mentoring to get a VARSITY baseball game or American Legion/Sr. Babe Ruth game. Now they walk in off street and are on bases for these within a test score submission. I was teased one time when I took time to clean/polish/shine plate shoes on a hot humid day between games of DH getting ready for plate. My partner said, "why clean those shoes, they're just gonna get dirty again by the 3rd inning..."?

[@stage51manager]

I know a few people, few umpires that started at high school, very first year on umpiring baseball games. That’s crazy, that’s off the streets. These first year umpires started at high school level (freshman,JV).

[@darinlegore284]

@@stage51manager yea, me too with a few training dates and a test score. I'm dating myself...talking late 1980's & 90's...

[@kevinkiss3340]

We need the millennials to start getting involved. Most the umpires over 50.

[@dwaynes4794]

@@kevinkiss3340 43 and will be starting this year

[@bradbanks8489]

@@kevinkiss3340 Our association is more like a median of 65

[@wganusgreen]

Excellent video, Patrick! The concept and goal of shirt stays is SPOT ON. However, I don't want to buy them, I don't want more thing to keep up with, and I don't want another "layer" to wear (we wear enough layers as it is). If anyone is looking for an alternative to shirt stays, I have been tucking my shirts into my sliders (that I wear above my underwear and under my pants) and that has worked well for me.

[@matteocarlini27]

I like the Throat Protector. It’s a life saver. I got it because I did a Bunch of games without and got a ball to the throat and I decided it’s my best interest to get a throat Protector

[@UmpireClassroom]

I was doing a game without one and the thought got into my brain and then it became all I could think about the rest of the game. Made an immediate purchase after that!

[@jameshickam1787]

Great Video.. Always ALWAYS learning.. Houston County Umpires Association appreciates these..

[@henryscanzano3392]

Thanks Patrick. You do a great presentation.

[@socialumpire]

Henry!!! Metza metza🤣🤣🤣

[@mgcoleman]

4 stitch v. 6 stitch behind the plate is all about your mask fit, not looks or saving money. If you wear a 6 stitch cap with a close-fitting mask (Force 3, System 7, etc) and take a hard shot to the mask, you (your forehead) will quickly figure out why experienced umps almost always go with 4 stitch caps. Good plug for the Champion Pro model CP. I've used it for several years now at all levels from USSSA to varsity HS and Legion. Multiple shots, no issues. Light years better than the over-hyped West Vests (all types) for protection, comfort and fit (an half the cost).

[@cbramblejr]

Good video. In Kentucky with Black we wear white undershirt, Powder is Navy, and Navy is red. And we wear Heather Grey

[@UmpireClassroom]

Thanks Chuck!

[@matteocarlini27]

Hello Patrick. Great Video. This may seem silly but I wear plate shoes when I do Little league baseball. I use new balance plate shoes. I also feel like it looks more Professional.

[@1969EType]

Great video, Brother Patrick! I would also add: If you are an umpire that works a lot of different levels of baseball and or a lot of different leagues, it is advisable to keep a plain navy hat and a plain black hat (no logos) or two of each color if you use 4 and 8 stitch caps. As Patrick says here, most leagues prefer/require their umpires to wear hats with a certain logo. So, you get a notification on Wednesday that you have a game two counties over on Friday where you have never worked before and they prefer you wear a cap with a logo you don't have and you have no time to get that hat before the game. What would look better, a hat with the wrong logo on it from another market you work (possibly a rival of the Friday market) or...simply a plain black or navy hat with no logo? Plain hat definitely. Regarding socks...I have one word...Bombas. You can thank me later. Finally, after a mask and a cup, the next most important piece of umpire's equipment...a throat guard, please my brothers! I keep an extra one in my bag at all times and if I see someone on my crew without a throat guard, I don't care if it's a rookie or a 20 year man...I will give them a throat guard. I don't tell them to put it on, I don't make a big show of it. I am not trying to embarrass or shame anyone. I just want people to be safe. I gave them the throat guard. If they choose not to use it well...I did my part. And again, like Patrick said, there is a very specific way to mount a throat guard. Make sure you know it does NOT go on the very end of the chin guard portion of the mask. Throat guard my brothers...wear them, please.

[@williamgibbs3199]

Good video. Not just for new umpires, but us old farts as well.

[@erikshelland3050]

How about a video on upgrading equipment? What to look for/consider.

[@toddmarler9207]

Great information Patrick!

[@techpr1est136]

Great vids, any chance you can cover Batting Out of Order? I've watched a few videos on it but still cannot wrap my head around it and all the potential situations that can come up with it.

[@UmpireClassroom]

Definitely can add that to the list! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@saints093]

I've noticed from watching MLB games on TV, some umpires like Brian Knight, Adam Hamari, Adrian Johnson, Chad Fairchild, Scott Barry, and Doug Eddings wear their throats guard the wrong way, I wish they'd learn to wear the throats guards the right way on their facemasks

[@1969EType]

Makes me wince EVERYTIME I see a pro guy wearing one incorrectly...

[@Caderic]

Sometimes people, especially top tier pros, do things the "wrong way" for a specific reason. They don't care that it's "wrong". And sometimes "wrong" isn't actually wrong, it is just not the intended way. (Not saying that is the case with any of these guys, just saying it is something to keep in mind)

[@mrlaw711]

The NFHS book states a white T-shirt under the umpire jersey. I'm in Arizona where you need additional sun protection. To me,a white T-shirt makes me think you work at the Post Office or were issued them in the military. I wear a dark blue shirt underneath, and when skin cancer conditions I wear one that is long sleeves. I always look neater than most everyone else because of my creased pants, shined shoes, polished belt, pressed shirts but "white" undershirts look goofy to me. I've had some umps comment to me, and I tell them I will wear what I want to wear. I now see more and more umpires wearing a long shirt that either matches the color of the umpire short or is black or navy blue.

[@UmpireClassroom]

I feel the same way about white but always good to check with your association. And certainly health reasons are a great reason to wear a long sleeve undershirt. When you're as pale as me, that's not a bad alternative to all the sunscreen I use!

[@1969EType]

Agreed...I have a full rainbow of colored undershirts for exactly the reasons you mention. I have long sleeve, short sleeve and sleeveless undershirts in all the colors. Unofficially, my market's undershirt of choice is red but, it really doesn't matter...what matters is, the crew is matching. If white is the only thing that everyone has, well...white it is.

[@ntravis7337]

Great video. What is your opinion about indicators begining to incorporate Call Order for balls and strikes?

[@UmpireClassroom]

Some do and some don't. I find most umpires have never even thought of it until they find out someone elses is reversed. Just get one and stick to it. But don't let it get in your head!

[@jamesrivera6068]

Well done 👍🏽

[@matteocarlini27]

The reason why you want you makes you fit as snug as you can is so that it doesn’t get ripped off when a Ball hits you there. I also Like the 6 stitch hat and have learned how to take the mask off with it.

[@matteocarlini27]

When I go behind the plate, I prefer a face mask and a throat Guard because I think it’s more Professional. I also wear two Ball bags because it also looks professional.

[@matteocarlini27]

Quick tip for new Umpires. When behind the plate, make sure your mask fits snug around your face so it doesn’t move if you are hit there and also when removing the mask, use your left hand.

[@1969EType]

Respectfully, I disagree...Brother Patrick hinted at this bit when he was discussing masks and helmets and I just want to add this: If you wear a mask, you should adjust it to make it as LOOSE as possible. It should really just hang on your hat bill. When wearing your mask, if you bend at the waist and lean your face so it is parallel to the ground, your mask should swing a bit away from your chin but not fall off. This is how you know you have it adjusted properly. The reason you want it adjusted this way is so that if you wear a pitch to the face, the blow of being struck should tear the mask off your face. That's ok! That means the energy of the ball is not being fully transmitted to your face, skull or neck, etc...Also, the looser you wear it, the easier it is to take on and off and to clear your hat bill without tearing off your hat, too. Keep in mind that MLB umpires are trained at that level to keep their masks snug to their face because MLB does not like the optics of a mask flying off the umpire's face and the umpire having to bend over, pick it up, dust it off, etc. so, do not follow their example at lower levels of baseball.

[@matteocarlini27]

@@1969EType Hello, I appreciate your tip. I do follow MLB Umpires and wear my mask snug to my face with the bottom of my mask on my chin. That’s how I know my mask is fitted properly. My mask lays on my hat bill and Chin for little league games and High school games. I also have a throat guard.

[@1969EType]

@@matteocarlini27 Snug is too tight. The science is not with you on that decision and you are assuming more risk than necessary. I wish you well.

[@MrCantabrigian]

It's funny you mentioned removing with the left hand, I ump and also still play myself as a lifelong catcher, I still have to consciously use my left hand for mask removal, as obviously while catching I'd have a mitt on and use my right hand.

[@matteocarlini27]

I wore the Helmet the first couple times I went behind the plate. The Helmet was so uncomfortable. I am glad I have a mask and won’t switch back to a helmet

[@JavierRodriguez-ce8ys]

Greetings everyone, I'm a baseball umpire, I'm Venezuelan, I want to buy my base shoes and plate shoes, but Amazon is always out of stock. Is there anyone who can help me find them, please?

[@UmpireClassroom]

Try somelike ump-attire.com They have international shipping.

[@isaachobdy]

why does umpires tuck their shirt in their pants?

[@UmpireClassroom]

To look professional?

[@1969EType]

Why WOULDN'T an umpire tuck their shirt in their pants?