Plate Coat

[jkumpire]

Kyle is really trying to make a point I think...

I see where you're coming from...I think I am just arrogant enough while officiating that I could pull it off. That does raise one question, do I want to be the only umpire in the area that wears one? I have no idea if that is actually the case but it's worth pondering.

Yes!

I am the only person my area who wears one, and I see few college people wearing one either. So what? It looks good, it is easier to use than a jacket and ball bags, it's a win win all the w3ay around.

[Minnz]

I have said it before I will say my 2 cents again. You earned the right to wear the coact if you bought it. Has nothing to do with skill or anything. I have been told by many people I am a high quality ump. Does that mean I should buy a plate coat? Not me. I like tradition in sports give me all the orginal 6 hockey games around. BUT, I think the coact makes you look stuffy and pretentious A nice black jacket looks good enough and is highly comfortable.

I really get tired of people saying you have to earn wearing a coat. By that rule do you have to earn wearing jackets with the zip off sleeves because at one time MLB wore it?

Do you have to earn the right to buy David pants of West Vest/Wilson CP?

Why is the plate coat the holy grail of umpiring to so many people? If you want to plunk down the cash, then do so and wear it.

[nickseevers]

Well I didn't buy it, it was given to me so I didn't earn it in anyway. I'm considering wearing it to my first game see how it goes and then maybe sell it. I thought I could get more for it so for the $50 I could get for it I mine as well keep it and enjoy it.

[yawetag]

Why is the plate coat the holy grail of umpiring to so many people? If you want to plunk down the cash, then do so and wear it.

I'd suppose any umpire can physically wear the coat. However, only a small percentage of us has the respect and stigma to wear the coat without looking like pompous asses.

Just as wrinkled pants and sweat-lined caps exudes incompetence, laziness, and a disregard to the game; a plate coat exudes confidence, experience, and an attitude of care of the profession. I think we can all agree that a plate coat is one of the sharpest items of clothing an umpire can wear. It's my opinion that to wear one, your abilities on the field have to match (and even exceed) the perception of the coat.

It's not about whether or not an MLB umpire wears it. It's not even about how long you've been umpiring. It's not a high-end chest protector or low-profile shin guards. It's not even a jacket to keep you warm on chilly evenings. The coat requires much more than the cash needed to purchase it and get it fitted. It requires respect toward the game, the participants, and the coat itself.

If you feel you're ready to wear a coat, then, by God, buy a coat and wear it. Enjoy the "ooh"s and "aah"s as you walk on the field. Let it inflate that head of yours. However, don't expect a feeling of jealously from other umpires. I feel no jealously toward those that have "earned" the coat -- I envy the work it took for them to get there and strive to be that person one day.

[johnnyg08]

Kyle is really trying to make a point I think...

I see where you're coming from...I think I am just arrogant enough while officiating that I could pull it off. That does raise one question, do I want to be the only umpire in the area that wears one? I have no idea if that is actually the case but it's worth pondering.

I would be the only guy in my area to wear one. I'm thinking about it.

[Umpire in Chief]

I've told the story before, but here it goes again...

One of my first ever Varsity games a while back. I worked bases and my partner worked the plate. He wore a plate coat and as were going through the home dugout to get on the field (the only way on or off the field was through a dugout). As we're going through the dugout one player said something like, "Oh they sent us the good umps, that guy is wearing a coat." That has forever stuck in my head.

We hadn't even stepped on the field and we had already won their respect.

I don't think it is a matter of earning the right to wear it, but when you do wear one the expectations on you go up exponentially, so you need to have the skills to back it up.

I want one, and am thinking about getting one next year. I don't think I'll be spending a lot of money on equipment next year so I can divert it to a coat.

[Thunderheads]

I've told the story before, but here it goes again...

One of my first ever Varsity games a while back. I worked bases and my partner worked the plate. He wore a plate coat and as were going through the home dugout to get on the field (the only way on or off the field was through a dugout). As we're going through the dugout one player said something like, "Oh they sent us the good umps, that guy is wearing a coat." That has forever stuck in my head.

We hadn't even stepped on the field and we had already won their respect.

I don't think it is a matter of earning the right to wear it, but when you do wear one the expectations on you go up exponentially, so you need to have the skills to back it up.

I want one, and am thinking about getting one next year. I don't think I'll be spending a lot of money on equipment next year so I can divert it to a coat.

I've said this before to younger umps and I'll say it here .......

BEFORE THEY HEAR YOU, AND BEFORE ANYONE SEES THE WHITES OF YOUR EYES .....YOU'RE BEING JUDGED.....LOOK THE PART!!!!!!

Warren, ...that's a PERFECT example!

[Fittske24]

Fittske24’s Guidelines for proper Plate coat etiquette.

• Only reserved for varsity and above games.
  
• If the game does not start, or end “under the lights†do not wear a plate coat.
  
• The fit of your plate coat should fit like the most expensive suit in your closet.
  
• If you have had zero (0) ejections in your umpire career, you should not wear a plate coat.
  
• Oversized sport coats with “big pockets†added to them are not considered plate coats, and should be destroyed immediately.
  
• If you consider “Poly wools†to be too expensive, you should not wear a plate coat.
  
• If the scoreboard is never in operation during the games you work, you should not wear a plate coat.
  
• If you have to ask “should I also wear my ball bags?†you have not earned the right to wear a plate coat.
  

Feel free to add to this list

[Guest]

When working at a Major / Minor League stadium, the "under the lights" article may be voided.

[Welpe]

I like that and I think Varsity and above or equally equivalent select/travel ball is a good guideline.

I guess I haven't paid attention before but is it acceptable for the base umpires to be in short sleeves?

[BT_Blue]

No, usually if the guy on the dish is wearing the plate coat the guys on the bases should at the very least wear the 3/4 sleeve jacket or the full length jackets.

[Welpe]

In that case, I might as well not buy one. I'd only get to wear it a few times a season. :shakehead:

[kylejt]

I sold both of mine last year, as I didn't get one chance to wear mine last season (here in San Diego).

Of course, last night would have been a perfect chance to wear one. Oh well.

[dl1340]

My son had a JV game yesterday afternoon, as I am walking up to the field first thing I notice is th PU in a plate coat. Got me thinking about this thread. He was an older gentleman probably in his late 50's. He was pretty good behind the plate. One of the other parents in the stand ask me about his plate coat, they know I umpire so also. He asked me if I had one, told hold didn't think I was at the level yet to own a plate coat. But the old man did look very sharp behind the plate in that coat. He would have looked better, if his chest protector had not been showing

[Welpe]

He would have looked better, if his chest protector had not been showing

It's hard to fault him for that since that is how it is worn by the majority of umpires.

[BT_Blue]

He would have looked better, if his chest protector had not been showing

It's hard to fault him for that since that is how it is worn by the majority of umpires.

You will see it a couple different ways. I think its Sam Holbrook wears a long sleeve mock over his. But the plate coat is made to have the CP showing.

[MidAmUmp]

Earning the right to wear something??? I think not. If you want to drop $250+ on a plate coat, go for it. Just make sure you've purchased the "necessities" first.

I used to have one when I was just getting started in college ball and didn't like it. Now I don't have one, don't want one, and will never wear one again.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I have a friend and colleague, who was a PBUC umpire from age 20 to 24, and moved home to go back to school and work college ball. He also works high school and whatever else there is that we all work (summer wood bat, MSBL, NCBA, etc.). He is the only guy in the region that wears a plate coat. He wore it for a MSBL night game. He's a D-II guy, and he wears it there, too. There aren't too many better umpires around than this guy, and there is no better high school/JUCO/MSBL umpire that any of us get to work with.

Now, Chris Hickman is from the next region, and he owns and wears the coat. And I'll bet he only knows a handful of others who wear one.

These are veteran college guys. That caliber of umpire wears the coat.

[Welpe]

Exclusively? Sorry. I don't buy it.

[Cactus]

These are veteran college guys. That caliber of umpire wears the coat.

Or anyone else who has one. I wouldn't pay much attention to anyone who bases their assumptions off of two people who wear coats.

[LeePitts]

Not with the majority here I know. But, if you wanna wear a plate coat by all means wear it. I personally don't get the elite status of the coat. If it makes you feel good and you like the look then go for it. It if adds confidence that's a good thing. I will wear nothing but short sleeves behind the plate. I don't care if the wind chill is 0. That's what I like.

[Kevin Finnerty]

These are veteran college guys. That caliber of umpire wears the coat.

Or anyone else who has one. I wouldn't pay much attention to anyone who bases their assumptions off of two people who wear coats.

You're disagreeing with my personal opinion? And vainly attempting to undermine my credibility? And essentially missing the point in so doing.

Good, at least you're being yourself. That's all most of us have grown to expect from you.

[BT_Blue]

And I would trust Hickman... I mean that guy created the Umpire Dressing Room... I wouldnt trust him. LOL :fuel:

[Cactus]

Good, at least you're being yourself. That's all most of us have grown to expect from you.

Personal attacks are not called for.

[Thunderheads]

Good, at least you're being yourself. That's all most of us have grown to expect from you.

Personal attacks are not called for.

Pot, meet Kettle :shakehead: