First impressions

[BRUMP]

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[Dannytheman]

Been ther, done that. Glad it turned out better for you,

[Chris Hickman]

That guy probually has not been taught how to umpire. He needs to invest and attend some clinics...

[Typhoon]

I had a guy like that Thur night. Granted it was ladies slo-pitch, however I always wear the correct uniform and try to look like and act like a professional. This guy had on a pair of plaid shorts, a black T-shirt, no hat, and to top it off a pair of sandals. He is there for one reason only "$". Since our old UIC left this spring the level of professionalism in our umpiring crew has been on a downward spiral. I hate to see what things will be like around here in the future. "Rant over"

Tony

[mstaylor]

I had a guy like that Thur night. Granted it was ladies slo-pitch, however I always wear the correct uniform and try to look like and act like a professional. This guy had on a pair of plaid shorts, a black T-shirt, no hat, and to top it off a pair of sandals. He is there for one reason only "$". Since our old UIC left this spring the level of professionalism in our umpiring crew has been on a downward spiral. I hate to see what things will be like around here in the future. "Rant over"

Tony

If the guy is getting paid he needs to wear a damn uniform. I don't care if it SP, you have to look the part. Even with uniforms you can look like crap, but there's nothing you can do about that.

[Dannytheman]

Mike is right, I have seen many umps in uniform that I say to myself, self? Wear the right size pants, nothing worse than I guy wearing 34 inch pants on a 40 inch body.

Now, my Interns only wear a umpire shirt and hat. They work LL minor B and C only. The league supplies them the shirt and hat. When they get approved for Minor A or Majors games they need to wear the pants, belt and shoes. If they are in school the parents pay them 20 dollars a game.

[T-Rav]

In my non hs ball association, if we do not have polished and cleaned shoes, pressed gerry davis slacks, a pressed shirt, with a clean hat then you will be terminated. And yes, we live 30 minutes away from honigs SE and they all prefer the GD's. **Most of the members are atleast varsity umpires, if not college umps.

I understand LL as I have volunteered for 5 seasons as a LL umpire but at-least have the correct attire....

To the OP: Fans and coaches really can't tell what other umpires see in a umpire, so if they look like crap most think they are crap. Do yourself a favor and either approach the subject with him or let the higher up's know about his uniform or lack there of.

[KYUmpire]

While I agree with everyone that we as umpires should look professional at all times on the field, I would caution people about rushing to judgement. For instance I worked with a guy a few years back and he showed up looking like he had slept in his clothes (they were wrinkled as hell, shoes looked like crap, and his hat was incorrect). Thought he was going to be terrible, but was actually really good. I mentioned his appearance to league umpire director and he said he would talk with him about it. Turns out the guy had lost his job and was evicted from his apartment. Guy hadn't told anyone because he was embarrassed and did not want anyone to know about what was going on with his personal life. Needless to say since I am a bleeding heart, I invited him to use my apartment at the time and my laundry, bought him some food and other necessities, and gave him my pay for the next few weeks. Long story short guys, I think that although we should strive to be and look as professional as possible, there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that we should all be cognizant of and if possible, offer help to fellow umpires if the opportunity arises. As a side note, my fellow man in blue, has been my only partner for the last 2 seasons and has been employed full time off the field as well. Just my 2 cents here and I am not bashing anyone on this forum.

[Jocko]

Somewhat agree with TRav. He needs to be talked to, but don't run behind hiss back. Talk to him, not about him.

[Called3rdStrike]

I did a softball tournament this weekend for a guy for some quick cash. Im in the parking lot changed and ready to go walk up to the field I'm supposed to be on about ten minutes before game time. Two guys walked up because I guess they thought I wasn't there. So I walk out there introduce my self to the guy. His first question was "do you have your counter?" baffled by this I just said "no. I'm on the bases" he said "but what if I lose the count. You should have your counter in case I lose it." I just nodded and walked away. He probably asked me for the count over 10 times in the two games I worked with him. :facepalm:

[Jocko]

In softball, BU carries a "clicker" and a "base brush" :fuel:

[BRUMP]

"do you have your counter?"

That should have been a dead giveaway.

[cyclonehokiece]

"do you have your counter?"

That should have been a dead giveaway.

A counter to what, count pitches? :fuel:

[mstaylor]

It was a good thing you had your's because evidently he didn't has his. Or he didn't know how to use it.