Hackman61

I never met him in person. I was at Target field this summer for the first time, right after he passed, and it just brought goosebumps to look up into downtown and see the water tower with the cream color and the pinstripes with the big 3 on the tower. His beautiful autograph was across the outfield wall. Very cool. My boys were with me, 9 and 12 year olds who both play baseball and love the Twins. They were in awe of the big bronze like statues of Harmon outside the stadium too. What a class act. A far cry from many of the MLB players these days.

That's okay. Believe whatever you would like to believe. I read that article when it came out---as cowardly and ghoulish as it was (what a slimeball its author is--the earth on Harmon's grave hadn't even dried yet).That article falls well short of debunking Harmon's own recollection of how the logo was inspired. And its likeness to Harmon is inarguable. I remember that when the logo first came out MLB said it wasn't based on any particular player. Well that's it, then. The final word. Everything MLB has done or stated--at least since I've been alive--is totally above reproach. Maybe it's not Harmon, but in my mind I like to think it is.

My thought exactly. If my equipment has it printed on it then NBD. I think my mask harness is the only one which is visible. But I will not wear a MLB/MiLB logo on the field on my shirt hat etc. Those logos worn on the field are earned and I think it is a dis-service to those who earned them to wear them on the field without having earned them. I worked with a partner earlier this year in a middle school game who wore a MLB hat on the field. I don't know how I didn't notice it until we got to the field, but it bothered me a lot. and I kept telling myself I'll talk to him about it in my post game. Well through the game he gave me opportunity for instructional moments. By the time we got to our post game I struggled to come up with 5 positive things to say beyond he was trying really hard, he wants to do well. I spent so much time covering situations, rules and mechanics with him (and he was taking my constructive criticizim very well) but I could tell I was bringing him down. I actually ended my post game pre-maturely and circled back and just gave him 2 things to work on as he continues his development as I thought lets go back to basics and two things would be managable versus the entire list of what I had observed. By that time I honestly didn't have the heart to bring up my feelings about wearing a MLB logo on an amateur field. At that time I thought it would have been adding insult to injury. I've already taken the MLB logo off my harness. You said it exactly the way I feel. I haven't earned it. I would rather keep my harness w/o logos.

All over. The cities, northern MN up in Hallock and Kennedy. Even have a sister in law in Fargo Moorhead. I love MN. My wife and I live in WA but we go back home every summer to hang out a Maple Lake by Crookston. I think our summer trek back may cut into some Umpiring time.

I just told this story in a PM a couple of days ago: My boyhood baseball idol was Harmon Killebrew. In the 1965 World Series, he hit a towering bomb off Don Drysdale--then my favorite Dodger--and I became enamored of Harmon, like any 8-year-old might at the sight of a titanic blast by a prolific slugger. I went away from that series copying Killebrew's stance and style. I continued to try to be just like Harmon, except I ran fast. Killebrew was the model for the MLB logo, and won the MVP the year it was introduced. So I love the logo like I loved the man, but for some reason, it makes me feel like a poser to wear it on my mask, which is the one piece of gear that's on prominent display. I don't know why I am that adamant, but I am. I buy harnesses with the yellow W, and modify or get rid of the harnesses with the MLB logo. (try to imagine looking at this from behind) Kevin, we're awfully fond of Harmon up here in MN ourselves. Where in MN? All my family lives there. I love Minnesnowta!

I like the logo too. I'm a big Harmon Killebrew fan. Being new, I don't want to portray something I'm not so I was just wondering. I'll probably leave it on if my association doesn't care. Thanks .

Hey fellas, I'm a pretty green umpire, (only a few games so far) and I just got a new Wilson Dyna Lite two-tone mask. The harness has the MLB logo on the back. Is it frowned upon to have it on there or is it no big deal? I have a meeting in a few weeks with my new organization so I will definitely check with them if they don't want it on there. What's your experience?

Good to hear from all of you. I was thinking I might be the only umpire wearing glasses and I would get blasted for it. I cant wait for this evening.

One coach made a comment on my glasses after a banger at third. He left for the parking lot soon after. Must have been something he said. lol

You guys are making me feel more comfortable about wearing them today. It's just a scrimmage game between a couple of teams that have played each other a few times this year and want a rematch. It's a good way for me to start getting some experience.

Hey fellas, I'm a very new/green umpire. Today I'm calling only my second game. I'm wondering how many of you wear glasses, not sun glasses, but prescription. Do you wear them under your mask or do you go with contacts? My eyes are ok without my glasses, I have bi-focals, and I called my first game with just sunglasses. I actually saw everything better than I thought. I also would like to know if you wore your glasses, doesn't that just seem to add fuel to the fire if you make a wrong call in some coaches opinion?

Hey I'm Jeff too. Plus I'm 49 and new to umpiring. Looks like we're in good company.

Great info thanks!

Thanks Jax...local guys here are wearing powder blue I think. Sometimes Navy. I guess I can't go wrong by starting out with the powder blue. I wear XXL in regular polo shirts so I'm guessing 2 sizes up for plate work? Thanks for your patience with my questions. I'm using some ankle high black Magnum boots that I used for riding my Harley. The shin guards have an extension that covers my foot. Plate shoes are expensive so I'll start with this set up. I have to be patient cause I want to just run out and buy everything.

Cash really isn't the issue, just knowing what kind of shirt to get. I'm not with any organization until next year, so not sure if there is a specfic color to get. Pants are going to be gray. Thanks for the website suggestion!

Hey Fellas, I just signed up with the site. I'm a brand new umpire and will call my first game this Thursday. It's just a scrimmage with 9 and 10 year olds. Thought it would be a great way for me to get my feet wet. Having a little trouble getting my gear together. I have my mask, shin guards, cup, plate brush, counter, and have ordered a Champro Pro-plus plate armor CP from ump-attire. Should be here in two days. I don't have pants or any shirts or a plate hat. Just sweats, big t-shirt and regular baseball new era hat. It's been kind of overwhelming to get all the gear. Not sure what pants or shirts to look at. I'm also a big guy, 6' , 275lbs. Wide shoulders. I used to lift weights and play football. I ordered the largest size, 16" CP that says it should fit. I wonder if there are any other options for CP straps/extensions. Sorry for rambling and I appreciate any comments or suggestions.