cap question

[BrianC14]

I use two hands to pull my mask on, but both hands are near / at the point where the harness meets the cage.

Each thumb points upward into the harness, and I pull it back over my head (the cage is atop my head at this point) then both hands come around and pull the mask/cage into position.

Easy, peasy, piece o' cheesy.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I have yet to try a 6 stitch behind the plate. I only use 8 stitch on bases. I am still learning how to put on my mask without having to adjust it. Getting better but still don't have it down yet. I am afraid if I went to a 6 stitch I would take off my hat with the mask...everytime.

Peel your mask out and to the left like you're opening a door, rather than up like lifting a hatch. Six-stitch is the way to go.

[mstaylor]

Whenever I teach a clinic I always make that I wear an eight seam just for the mask demo. I explain you can put your mask on and off even with an eight seam but it takes practice.

[kylejt]

I only wear eight stitch hats, and wear my mask loose enough so it drops away from my jaw when I check my shoelaces. That was good advice I got long ago. Watching my mask spin off is much better than my brain absorbing the blow.

Forefinger, pinky and thumb for removal. Up and out. Two hands, front and back of harness, to put back on. Umpiring 101, chaps.

Why are you wearing dark wool hats in the direct sunlight? Can anything cause more of a oven effect on your dome? Time to revolt, boys!

Edited August 14, 2009 by kylejt

[kylejt]

quoting Carl Childress: "Lah me."

I haven't heard that in years, and it's still funny.

[zm1283]

To put it on: Grab the harness with my left hand, hold the bottom of the cage with my right hand. Pull the harness back and pull the mask down in one motion. Adjust as needed.

To take it off: Just like the author described in "As They See 'Em". I grab the bottom horizontal bar and the lower-left part of the mask with my thumb, index, and middle fingers. Up and out.

I have to wear 6-stitch hats with my Titanium low profile. I would wear 8-stitch but they just don't work with that mask.

[NWA_UMP]

Thanks for the input guys...

Someone asked about using wool hats in the sun...during high school ball here our assignor only wants wool; black or blue depending on the shirt you wear. He says it looks better. He also goes against ASHSAA directive and recommends we wear black or MLB blue shirts...but everyone has to have powder incase partner does not have the other 2 colors...again he is going for the MLB look to our group. I talked to one guy who wore a shirt under his ump shirt...it was long sleeved and the ump shirt was short....he did not understand why got such a bad eval on that game. I told him Brian picked him apart for not having a jacket/LS ump shirt and looking Smitty. Brian made his point clear that if you look the part you will be treated like an umpire.

[okump96]

Brian the t-shirt guy?? Does he still think he is god of umpires around there? lol

[zm1283]

I can't convince 3/4 of my partners in the spring to wear anything but navy shirts. The state wants us to wear navy, but the assigners don't care as long as we match. I guess the fact that a lot of them don't own anything but navy plays a part in that too.