Manufacturers Labels

[DanAKAL]

Is it just me or do any of you guys find the visible labels and references to other leagues on our gear gaudy? Maybe its just me but I do not like this at all. I am pretty new to umpiring baseball but not officiating in general, particularly ice hockey. I go to a great deal of trouble to remove and mask over labels on my hockey gear and most other guys I know do this also. Tonight I placed an order for gear and had everything lined up and ready to push the button. However, I just couldn't bring myself to buy the mask and shins I had picked out. I could probably have removed or covered up these labels with tape and such but why should I when I can buy equally priced and effective gear that doesn't have the labels. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a manufacturer putting labels on their equipment. But rather it is the lengths they go to for what seems to me like its being shoved down my throat. Now if they were supplying my equipment or the league I was in was being sponsored by the manufactuer that would be something different. But they aren't doing anything for me now and this is my money I'm spending. Furthermore, and again maybe its just me, but I don't care if they are the official gear of any league as this won't sway my decision one way or the other. For my way of thinking form follows function. Just advertising I suppose. This is starting to sound like a rant, and maybe it is, but it didn't start out to be a rant.

How do you guys feel about this?

Dan

[Stan W.]

I will admit to at one time being overly concerned with logos.....at one time I was a 100% +POS uniforms and equipment wearer. I found the logos unobtrusive (relatively small) and I found the "uniform" nature of having all my gear from one supplier more asthetically proper and pleasing to me....(but I am known to have a bit of "OC" behavior anyway)

Now that isnt possible anymore since +POS had gone out of business and its recent resurfacing in a limited product offering...

It also is barely possible with some of my association requirements.....some require Boathouse jackets, Honigs shirts.....(back in the day it was Logo Athletic shirts...)

I say do what you feel comfortable doing...probably the only people who notice are us umpires anyway....

[noumpere]

However, I just couldn't bring myself to buy the mask and shins I had picked out.

Shins? That logo doesn't show.

You're way overthinking this, imo.

[catoblue]

Doesn't bother me a bit. I've been wearing athletic apparel with logos on it all my life (Nike, Reebok, Puma, Spotbuilt, Cliff Keen, Russell, Converse, Addidas, UnderArmor, Rawlings, Riddel, New Balance, Mizuno, New Era etc).

If you really don't like having logos visible, you can always buy "generic pads" for your mask that don't have a logo, but they may not be as good quality (comfort, shock absorption) as the "brand-name" ones from the manufacturer. As for shin guards or CP's... if you're wearing them correctly under your uniform, nobody is going to see them anyhow.

Any manufacturer that makes a decent product wants their logo visible - it helps them sell more of their product by providing brand recognition. When you think about it, when was the last time you purchased anything at any store that didn't have some brand labeling? Why should athletic equipment manufacturers be any different?

I guarantee that the big gold W on MLB umpire's equipment, seen by millions of people on TV, has helped to sell a ton of that brand of equipment. Right now that particular company is the top-of-the line in protection, and if having a logo on it helps keep them in the business of providing top of the line protective equipment, then I have no problem with it.

The same goes for cleats, gloves or catcher's equipment - how many kids buy the cleats or gloves, or catchers gear worn by their favorite ball players? They know the brand because the logo is right there for them to see on TV.

I know it kinda sucks to be advertising for the companies that make the gear, but if it's gear you like, you're helping keep that company in business so you can continue to get the gear you like. Also, when a piece of gear has a logo and label on it, you know for sure what brand you are buying - and will have a good idea of the quality you're getting. With no markings on the gear, who knows what you're getting? Could be a low quality knock-off that is actually unsafe to use. Not a risk I'd want to take.

[Majordave]

You're way overthinking this, imo.

Didn't someone already plow this ground with a mask thread about the MLB logo?

Buy it or don't buy it. Personal preference. I black out some logos I do not like but I still buy the BEST gear I can afford which for me is what MLB and MiLB and NCAA D-1 guys wear.

Why? because I want to be protected, look professional and be taken seriously. If it is good enough for them it is good enough for me.

Logos on commercially available items of all kinds are here to stay, get used to it. In all probability they will get bigger and more visible over time.

Edited June 18, 2009 by Majordave
wrong guy complaining about logos on masks. It was NavyDaniel, not DanAKAL.

[Umpire in Chief]

I'm somewhat the same way as Dan I don't like excessive logos. But styles have changed and 5+ years ago the standard was a strict only black on plate shoes, then +POS bucked the system with their shoes. Now the white/ gray logo on shoes has become accepted and even gotten bigger with the Reebok shoes. Another think I like about the Ump-Attire Ultimate Shirt and some other brands is they put the tag at the bottom of the shirt where it is (should be ) tucked in and out of site. The W on my mask and the MLB logo on the harness don't bother me.

What does bother me is how the umpires in the Caribbean World Series were walking billboards. Hell they might put the PU in a sandwich board so they can fit more ads on them. Japan's umpires have ads but they aren't as bad. Please MLB stay away from this.

[LMSANS]

I'm thinking NASCAR belongs in this thread someplace.

I am not concerned about logos. I buy the equipment because it protects me or is something I am required to wear.

[DanAKAL]

But styles have changed and 5+ years ago the standard was a strict only black on plate shoes

UIC I believe the more I think on this that you have hit the nail on the head. While I am new to baseball officiating I'm not new to officiating and baseball and I have always been a traditionalist. Perhaps I just perfer things the way I remember them. IMHO if a company is making a quality and/or superior product they don't need a great deal of advertising as their products will stand by themselves. I am with the rest of you guys in that I simply won't sacrifice my level of protection. However, if brand A has enough logos on it to make me look like I'm purchasing their products because of who made them and brand B is of equal quality and doesn't have these logos I'll buy brand B every time. Even if it ends up costing me more as it did with my most recent purchase. Perhaps this is just a pet peeve but it really gets under my skin.

Whatever we do lets don't get NASCAR involved. I grew up only miles south of Talladega and have raced cars most of my life. I finally just got sick of whatever NASCAR has become and sold my last race car in 2003. Again, I am a "blue collar" traditionalist and believe in dues paying which just doesn't happen anymore.

Interesting stuff guys. All in all good info.

Dan

[kylejt]

You must have a heart attack when you saw those new Reebok plate shoes. The whole shoe is a logo.

[Nate]

You must have a heart attack when you saw those new Reebok plate shoes. The whole shoe is a logo.

I heard they're amazing. I plan on getting those next year!

[willv28]

I heard they're amazing. I plan on getting those next year!

I agree, they are, I have them. I don't like the logo but I'll put up with it for how much I like the shoes.

[Umpire in Chief]

I agree, they are, I have them. I don't like the logo but I'll put up with it for how much I like the shoes.

If you hold off for a little while I believe Jim Kirk mentioned that next years model will have a more subtle logo.

[BT_Blue]

If you hold off for a little while I believe Jim Kirk mentioned that next years model will have a more subtle logo.

Thats what he said in his blog and on this forum. I for one was not much of one for the logos and I honestly hate that Honigs has gone to a patch with their names on it just below the collar of their shirts (Im also not a fan of their fit which is why Jim will be getting all my shirt orders in the future) rather than the old way of the smaller embroidered name in the same place.

I see the labels as a necessary evil for the quality of equipment that they come with. An example are the reebok or the new balance plate shoes. They both have white on them even though a lot of us are required to make them all black. However I wouldnt give up for the world the comfort of these products... so I deal with the labels.

[DanAKAL]

Shoes....These are a problem for me as I wear a size 11 F (that's wider than a EEEE). Most of my shoes have to be custom made in order to get my feet in them. I'll be giving the New Balance EEEE shoes a try but the jury is still out until I work with them some. As for the white logos...I think you guys already know how I feel about those.

[mstaylor]

Dan, go up a size when order your NB shoes.

[DanAKAL]

Uh Oh...my shoes are already ordered. I'll wear them awhile around the house and we'll see how they work. I asked before I ordered them so i know I can return them if need be. Thanks Michael.

Dan

[willv28]

Uh Oh...my shoes are already ordered. I'll wear them awhile around the house and we'll see how they work. I asked before I ordered them so i know I can return them if need be. Thanks Michael.

Dan

And don't forget to place that order for the new carpeting.

[mstaylor]

Uh Oh...my shoes are already ordered. I'll wear them awhile around the house and we'll see how they work. I asked before I ordered them so i know I can return them if need be. Thanks Michael.

Dan

I ordered a pair of NB 350s for the bases. I thought they were a little snug but would loosen up with use. No, after a game I could wait to take them off. I gave them to a young umpire that loves them. I have reordered a size up. I have 450s on the plate and they were the same. Excellent shoes, they just the run small.

[DanAKAL]

I ordered the 995 base shoes because they came in the EEEE width. MAybe they are more true to size than the 350/450. I even called to make sure they were EEEE and asked about returns. Should I have to send them back I'll let you guys know.

I don't know what I'll do for plate shoes as I haven't found any that are EEEE. My shins have an instep guard but that doesn't do anything for the toe area. I'll see what I can do with my shoes and shins when I get them. Perhaps I can even fashion a removable extra long instep guard that I could velcro to my shoe laces. I'll just have to see what I can do when I get all of my equipment together.

Dan

[mstaylor]

If you can't find a plate shoe to work for you there are industrial manufacturers that make safety shoes that cover your foot properly.

[kylejt]

Just for reference, my 350s ran true to size, and I wear a 1/2 size up on my 450s. I wearing 10.5 in most everything.

I watched a LL guy with the Reebok shoes yesterday, and they're ugly from long ways away. At least my NBs are bad looking just to me. That Reebok logo it overpowering.

[DanAKAL]

I get my work boots from Nicks Boots as they are one of only a couple of manufacturers that make custom boots. I'm hoping to avoid having them make me a pair of $500 shoes to umpire baseball. I wish I could wear regular Red Wing and Wolverine steel toe shoes but none of them fit. I can only hope there is enough give in the New Balance shoes that I can wear them for a few hours.

Reebok...I don't buy their hockey gear either. For the same reasons as stated here.

Graf skates are made to fit and I'll be going to these this year for hockey after several seasons or so-so fitting skates. Another $500 for footwear. I'm really hoping to at least find some so-so shoes for baseball.

Dan

[Kevin Finnerty]

Doesn't bother me a bit. I've been wearing athletic apparel with logos on it all my life (Nike, Reebok, Puma, Spotbuilt, Cliff Keen, Russell, Converse, Addidas, UnderArmor, Rawlings, Riddel, New Balance, Mizuno, New Era etc).

If you really don't like having logos visible, you can always buy "generic pads" for your mask that don't have a logo, but they may not be as good quality (comfort, shock absorption) as the "brand-name" ones from the manufacturer. As for shin guards or CP's... if you're wearing them correctly under your uniform, nobody is going to see them anyhow.

Any manufacturer that makes a decent product wants their logo visible - it helps them sell more of their product by providing brand recognition. When you think about it, when was the last time you purchased anything at any store that didn't have some brand labeling? Why should athletic equipment manufacturers be any different?

I guarantee that the big gold W on MLB umpire's equipment, seen by millions of people on TV, has helped to sell a ton of that brand of equipment. Right now that particular company is the top-of-the line in protection, and if having a logo on it helps keep them in the business of providing top of the line protective equipment, then I have no problem with it.

The same goes for cleats, gloves or catcher's equipment - how many kids buy the cleats or gloves, or catchers gear worn by their favorite ball players? They know the brand because the logo is right there for them to see on TV.

I know it kinda sucks to be advertising for the companies that make the gear, but if it's gear you like, you're helping keep that company in business so you can continue to get the gear you like. Also, when a piece of gear has a logo and label on it, you know for sure what brand you are buying - and will have a good idea of the quality you're getting. With no markings on the gear, who knows what you're getting? Could be a low quality knock-off that is actually unsafe to use. Not a risk I'd want to take.

This post is as thoughtful and well-reasoned as any you're likely to see on this subject.

[Balk Hater]

boo hoo my NB450 plate shoe is covered with the trade mark N it stands for no big deal and the Mask has the W logo which means IT is a quality item. On the bright side my nurry buddy and chest protector has logos but nobody sees them. I say dude wear the quality LOGOS and wear them proudly

[mstaylor]

boo hoo my NB450 plate shoe is covered with the trade mark N it stands for no big deal and the Mask has the W logo which means IT is a quality item. On the bright side my nurry buddy and chest protector has logos but nobody sees them. I say dude wear the quality LOGOS and wear them proudly

I don't have a problem with the companies putting their logos on their equipment until it makes it ugly, most notably Honig's tags on their shirts and the Reebok logo on their shoes. Both are gaudy to the point of taking away from the equipment.