Newbie east of Cincinnati

[wek29]

Hi everyone! I stumbled on this site trying to do some research on gear - still researching. I guess newbie isn't quite appropriate as it's my 2nd year of knothole, but I still feel new!

After years of coaching and cheering my sons, they've both grown and moved on I still wanted to be around the game. I felt it may be a little odd for me to try to coach more, but I love the game so umping was the logical choice. I am possibly interesting in moving up from knothole, but have no issues staying there. I figure they can use all the good umps they can get.

I have a couple of goals. 1- I'd like to find some classes to improve my "game". The knothole association gives a 2 day class to learn the rules, but very little is done outside of that. So very little positioning and no kind of feedback. I want to take it to the next level even if I have to do it on my own. 2- Not egotistical, but I want to get my own gear and look more the part of a "professional" umpire. (Not major league, but someone who has a professional appearance.) I think it will garner more respect to begin with. I want coaches to know when they get me for a game they are going to get a game well called.

So that's it in a nutshell. I'll be trolling the boards and adding questions as they come. Any tips ona good package or if you see some good used gear, I'd love to hear about it!

[SGT. D.]

Welcome, I too, want to be more educated about umpiring and this board is really helping.

With gear and such, there are many choices to be had. Do not skimp on safety gear (mask, CP, plate shoes). If you have confidence in your gear, you'll be more confident behind the plate. Looking the part is a huge deal to the teams and to ourselves. Yesterday, the umps that did our game looked poorly (track pants, un-tucked shirts, shinguards on the outside etc...). The other coach asked us if we had ever seen these guys before-noone had. I said maybe they'll be the best we've ever had-always trying to be the optimist. I was wrong. They weren't all bad, but, they didn't look like they took it seriously.

Once again, welcome and I hope you enjoy it!

Dave.

[JaxRolo]

Welcome to the Board.

One piece of advice I will give you is to buy good gear.

You can probably start out with lower quality in lower levels of ball but as you move up you will find yourself upgrading.

[Umpire in Chief]

Good to have you here.

[semper_fi_72]

Welcome to the forum.

[Big Red]

Welcome and good to have ya!

As I'm sure you've seen, you can find good info in both the "Umpire Equipment" and "Umpire Equipment Review" sections. Their is some good gear for sale in the "Classifieds" and "What's on E-Bay" areas.

You can also find more info on schools in the "Training, Camps and Clinics Reviews" section. FWIW, I know there are a few of us looking at attending the Southern Umpire Camp scheduled for 10-13 Feb, 2011 in Atlanta.

Either way, you'll get plenty of help/advice here...good luck!

[yawetag]

Welcome to the Board.

One piece of advice I will give you is to buy good gear.

You can probably start out with lower quality in lower levels of ball but as you move up you will find yourself upgrading.

This. To piggy-back on this: if you can afford it, buy the better stuff to start if you have any desire to move up to higher level. Why pay $50 for a chest protector that will work tomorrow, when you're going to need the $150 in two years?

[maninblack69]

Welcome!! :jerkit:

[DirtyDawg]

Welcome to the board, bud!!

[mstaylor]

Welcome to the board, there some really good guys here that are interested in helping guys along. If you are asking 60ft mechanics make sure you note it because the mechanics are a little different. I second the idea of buying the best you can afford. A hardshell is best and if you need to scrimp anywhere do it in shin guards. Also you can buy combos instead of plate and base pants both.

[wek29]

Wow, I came back expecting a response or 2! What an overwhelming welcome! Thank you very much everyone!

[mstaylor]

Wade through some topics, get a feel for the board and ask away.

[catoblue]

Welcome to the board!

[JaxRolo]

There's Baseball in Cincinnati?

Welcome!

[wek29]

LOL, I guess it depends on who you ask!