semperfiguy

I use chalk to chalk , meaning the inside of each batter's box across the plate. I find no issues from 16U down a long as you don't go.too high. Remember coaches can see vertical movement but not horizontal so call.strikes an grab everyone you can. Remember th plate is 17 wide but there arms are over 30 an so are the bats which amounts to 60"!!!! That's a hell of a zone If they like the pitch.

I use a Honigs suit bag for all myuniforms, and extras. I also use the old Plus POS equipment bag. It's huge and you can fit anything in there. I often wonder if I would be better with either a new Wilson, Diamond, or Force 3 bag. Having compartments would help. But I don't change on site enough up here in the northeast so, putting uniforms in a bag may be counterproductive. Besides my uniform bag has 15 hangers of clothing. That will never fit in any bag out there I'm aware of.

Often times when umpires first start out I don't think they realize the initial start up cost of equipment and uniforms. So combo pants will let you get started out of the gate and earn a few game fees back to cover your initial investment. However, if you are serious and aspire to work higher levels of baseball, then you should again invest in both plate an base pants. This way you will be accepted as serious by both your peers and assigners.

I currently and have for 3 years wear Wilson wraparound Doeskin pads. I love them random not quite sure if TW is better.

If you choose to be smitty, you'll end up looking sh@&ty. Always invest in your craft. A good mentor would have told you that.

I hate typing on a kindle. I meant shirts, trousers, and jackets. Sorry.

I use a Plus POS equipment bag that has wheels and a handle. It holds a ton of gear. I also use a goings garment bag.it keeps all your shirts,grouse r s,backpackers neat and on a hanger where I put them after ironing them myself. Works great an lasts a long time. Appearance to me, is vital to maintaining a command presence. But ultimately it's you knowledge o the game that Will see you through.

Homerun!!!!!!

From all I've learned and read about over the years it's this. You can pay now buying quality gear, or you can pay later at your Dr' s office. Either way you will probably gravitate towards th higher end gear in the long run. Just a matter of wasting money on co-pays, x-rays, MRI etc.. listen to these guys here. There's a wealth of knowledge that just may save you money, and some sore feelings to boot.

I too had a BB2000, and it was a virtual furnace. Switched to a Wilson Platinum, and haven't looked back. I did love there shirts though.

I love my pleated pants. I had my tailor sew in the front crease so it looks razor sharp at all times. You can machine wash and dry them an they come out looking dry cleaned! That said I still iron. OCD is hard to break.

As a fellow Irishmen I love my sunscreen. I try not to'put it on.my face behind the dish cause I sweat like a w#@&e in church with it on.

I have the Wilson Platinums with the double knee. They are literally bullet proof. Had them 6 years now and they still wear great. I'm thinking their heavier and warmer than many other models. I may just pull the trigger on a set of UE. I wil then use my Wilson's as a quality back-up just in case.

Major I wear the Wilson doeskin wraparound pads and I love them. I've read slot of great reviews on the TW pads. I thought I was the last guy still using wraparound after all of the retro fit talk. Glad to know I'm not goin it alone.

I disagree. Umpire uniforms are not athletic uniforms. They are uniforms that indicate a position of authority such as fire and police and therefore wearing a flag to show patriotism is appropriate. Ok am retired Marine Corps. And yes I wear an American Flag on the back of every shirt I have. I place it centered just below the collar. I don't preach nor push my opinion on others. But I am Damn proud and have no problem showing it.

As a former Marine I have the American Flag on the back of every shirt I own. I th o might it was just me, until I recently attended a Portland Sea Dogs game. All the MiLB guys are wearing them.

I press my shirts every game, and yes I use alot of starch. Never had a problem.

Something to think about. We are all aware of Wilson / Douglas widespread use by MLB Umpires. And it's obvious by seeing them in use they have the confidence and feel protected enough to utilize those products. Jim Evans is a baseball God for many no doubt. So the question is how many of his fellow boys in blue are wearing his product?

Jocko what's the difference and how does it feel? I love my doeskin mask padding.

Hey Warren I use the same exact mask with the doeskin padding. I love the mask. Furthermore I've heard nothing but great things relative to the TW pads. Do you like them as much? Or not? Let me know .

Generally I wear the long sleeve shirt with underarmour. If its windy or rainy Ihave a tuckable Honigs that we were required to buy. I sure would love a plate coat, just havent pulled the trigger yet.

My Association bring in Honigs every spring for umpires to shop. They do a nice job. But I prefer to shop at UA. There customer service is top notch. Good for MiLB. UA carries an array of suppliers, with higher quality products (IMHO). Lets see what this does for the little guy now. Jim has always made the little guy a priority. Good for him. Terrific business move im sure.

Mine are sewed in as well. They look like they just came from the cleaners. Razor sharp for only $8.00 a pair. You cant go wrong. And you will look Pissah!!!!

Semper- I hope your feeling better Marine. Stay focused and most importantly take care of yourself. The game will always be here when you return. And as a fellow Jarhead I know you will return. I always wear my throat guard, and I tell all the new guys to wear one too. Stay safe and carry on. Semper Fi Devil Dog!!!!

i would love one. Are they all custom made???? I currently wear a WVP, and love it. The douglas looks bulkier, and I can only assume a bit warmer. Any input from you Douglas Afficianados???