Hat elmentswear when using the new h

[Uncle_Moe]

After many years of using a traditional mask, I have just started using a helmented mask. I have questions about the wear of a hat. At the present time, I use a second ball bag and keep a hat in it. Between innings, I remove the helment and put the hat on. It's cumbersome, but the unprofessional look of being bare-headed is avoided. I am curious to hear how other umpires are handling this issue.

[JohnT]

Are you talking about the hockey style mask? Or are you talking about something like this?

The latter, I think, would be even more unprofessional than being bare-headed. If you are talking about the hockey style mask, I do see MLB umpires go without hats, so I wouldnt worry about the hat at all when working the plate.

[Uncle_Moe]

It is a Diamond Edge hockey style mask. It is nothing like the that Rawlings monster in your link.

[Umpire in Chief]

I have seen guys both wear nad not wear a hat with HSM. The association I belong to allows umpires to not wear a hat under the helmet. I have seen a discussion on ABUA which the majority I believe stated that they did not wear a hat.

As JohnT mentioned MLB guys don't wear hats, and I saw some MiLB umps not wearing one.

[JohnT]

It is a Diamond Edge hockey style mask. It is nothing like the that Rawlings monster in your link.

Wheew! I would just not worry about the hat at all. Depending on your association rules, it is not worth it just for between innings.

[LMSANS]

I also went to the HSM this year and in 5 plate apperances this year, I wore a hat every time. Game one was a bit of a challenge as I also needed to adjust the mask. After that, I had no problem removing the mask on every play just as I would a traditional mask.

I don't have a strong opinion about it, but I think wearing the hat looks better when the mask is off...which should be more than just between innings.

[littleleagueump]

Just keep your hair short if you don't have a hat with you. Your hair will look like you just dried your hair right out of the shower if you have long hair.

[LMSANS]

Just keep your hair short if you don't have a hat with you. Your hair will look like you just dried your hair right out of the shower if you have long hair.

What hair?:D

[bamatazz]

Here in Alabama, we are required to wear a hat in HS games. We are allowed to wear a HSM ONLY if we are able to "keep our hat on". Basically, we can't keep our hat in our bag and then put it one when we take our HSM off. It has to worn AT ALL TIMES. I would say that 95% of all HS umpires here do not use the HSM because of this.

[ump 50 ND]

going on my 8th season wearing a HSM.

Will never go back to a mask ,I do not wear a cap, but then I'm the only one that wears one in are area, so got to set my own weather to ware one or not. NO one has ever said anything to me !

Thinking of buying the new Wilson SHOCH FX but mine still looks like new (except the ball marks) BUT darn $300??? Any one have one ?

Larry

[semperfiguy]

I am a bit of a traditionalist. I currently wear a wilson new view mask w/doeskin padding. I will admit the HSM appears to be even more protective than my new mask. My last mask an au-300 from pluspos only lasted 5 years before the vinyl started to peel off of the mask. I guess I just cant see myself in an hsm. But I have noticed more MLB guys going to hte HSM. But can the hat, who cares about between innings. And if its an association rule it clearly needs to be ammended. Comfort is priority over looks. balls and strikes baby!!!!