Umpire Equipment for a Noob

[Concernedcitizen2]

I searched for an Umpire Equipment FAQ, but didn't see one, so thought I would make this post.  Mods feel free to take this down, if it turns out there is already a similar thread.

 

What exactly does an umpire need? And is there a general consensus on what the best gear is?  It seems like there was some talk that different replacement pads on the certain masks are better than the ones that come with it?

 

From what I can think of, this is what a new umpire would need:

 

Shoes (Plate shoes and base shoes)

Pants (Plate pants and base pants)

Hat (Usually from the association? Plate hat and base hat?)

Black or dark blue mock turtlenecks (Probably 3 or 4)

Mask (Either traditional or hockey style)

Cup/Jock

Indicator (I know there is some conversation about whether or not that's actually necessary)

Ball bags

Chest Protector

 

What are standard socks? I assume you need high ones?  Are black baseball socks acceptable?

 

So how do you go about choosing the equipment?  I am living overseas so would have to have everything shipped and wouldn't be able to try it on ahead of time.

 

[umpstu]

I usually wear a shirt as well. Sarcasm. There is a Honigs in Europe if that is where you are.

[24sdad]

Concerned, I would be real surprised if you received any type of "consensus" on equipment.  It varies from umpire to umpire based on personal preference, level worked and affordability.  One thing I think we can all agree on is buy the best, quality equipment you can the first time out.  Here is what I use.  It is by no means the only route to go, but should give you a starting point.

 

Shoes (Plate shoes and base shoes) Plate - All black Rebook.  Base - New Balance (I have all black and black and white depending on what partner has).

Pants (Plate pants and base pants) Honig Poly wool plate and base.

Hat (Usually from the association? Plate hat and base hat?) Fitted Richardson, eight stitch for base and four or six for plate.

Black or dark blue mock turtlenecks (Probably 3 or 4) White and black compression.  I have Nike.

Mask (Either traditional or hockey style) Wilson Ti with black Team Wendy pads.

Cup/Jock Nutty Buddy cup.  Would also recommend long compression tights.

Indicator (I know there is some conversation about whether or not that's actually necessary) Yes on the plate.  

Ball bags Two black ones from Ump Attire with the zipper pocket on the under side.

Chest Protector Wilson Gold with All-Star Delta Flex harness.

 

What are standard socks? I assume you need high ones?  Are black baseball socks acceptable? That is what I wear.

 

Don't forget shin guards (I have Wilson) and uniform shirts and jacket (I have Honig and Majestic).

 

I order almost all my gear from either Honigs or Ump-Attire and have never had a problem with either.  The sizing charts will help.

 

For every piece of equipment I posted above, there are similar products from different vendors that are every bit as good.  There are some older posts in the equipment section listing what CP's and mask's MLB umpires wear.  Some popular names appear more often than others, but again, it all boils down to personal preference.

[CodyLoe15]

I would also tell you to get some Wilson gold shin guards.  I would recommend a 1 and 3/4 inch patten or clarino finish belt.  I only wear black short sleeve mock turtlenecks underneath but it also depends on what your association requires you to wear for a shirt.  If you want to wear baseball socks that's fine, eventually you will steer away from them especially if you get compression tights.  I wear nike dri-fit calf-height socks.  Also, at this point if your going for one big purchase you should consider throwing a bag to put all your stuff in.  The first year I had mine never used it to actually travel, then I was invited to umpire in AZ (I live in MN) and it was worth every penny to have it even for only the one trip.  

[Jglopez7]

Take into consideration what level you plan on working. If you plan on moving up to working high school and some collegiate games I would recommend buy the best gear to avoid being an equipment whore like myself. I have a set for my little league and a set for college and high school kids.

[JaxRolo]

Take into consideration what level you plan on working. If you plan on moving up to working high school and some collegiate games I would recommend buy the best gear to avoid being an equipment whore like myself. I have a set for my little league and a set for college and high school kids.

I disagree.

 

ALWAYS buy the best gear you can get. You will not regret it.

[kylejt]

If were to by my gear over again, and just one get one set, here's what I'd do.

 

NB460 plate shoes

Older Reebok Field Magistrate mid-tops

WV Platinum, remove the bumper, Team Wendy retro fit, Delta Flex harness.

Champro Magnesium Mask, TW pads, Wilson MLB harness and throat protector

Honig's Polywool pants

Nutty Buddy cup

Compression pants

Adidas Climacool socks (no need for long ones, with compression pants)

1 3/4" belt, non-glossy

Champion undershirts

+POS ball bags (I just like their cut, and fit)

+POS scrapper brush

Gerry Davis Shin guards ( although I love my hockey official ones, with the velcro straps)

[FlaUmp22]

and don't waste your time on Officials Choice apparel   

[umpstu]

 

Take into consideration what level you plan on working. If you plan on moving up to working high school and some collegiate games I would recommend buy the best gear to avoid being an equipment whore like myself. I have a set for my little league and a set for college and high school kids.

I disagree.

 

ALWAYS buy the best gear you can get. You will not regret it.

 

Have to agree with JaxRolo on this. I think it is a big disservice to suggest buying inferior gear. You get hit at the lower levels much more so get Good equipment right out of the gate. Protect your feet with good shoes on the plate and bases, meaning support on the bases. I highly recommend New Balance at both positions. I would suggest buying good Honigs poly wool pants, have had mine for years and they are great. Someone said full length tights, correct. For underneath get moisture wicking mock turtle neck shirts and always get quality shirts. You are going to be using these things for years if you decide to continue. If not you can sell them and recoup some of your money. And TEAM WENDYS pads for your mask.

[kylejt]

You usually only buy pro gear once, then maybe replace it in 6-8 years. With middle of the road stuff, you'll yearn for pro gear in about 1-2 years, or whenever you really get popped, whichever comes first.

 

And, like others have said, the lesser grade stuff is pretty worthless on the second hand market. Whereas pro stuff tends to hold its value a lot better, so you net cost is actually less.

 

Save your pennies, get the good stuff, and thank us later. Don't make the mistake, like I did, and go cheap, then upgrade a little, THEN buy pro stuff. Lots of wasted time, bruises (Hell, I nearly died once), and wasted $.

 

Life is too short for cheap beer, and bargain toilet paper. Same goes for umpire gear.

[Jglopez7]

 

 

Take into consideration what level you plan on working. If you plan on moving up to working high school and some collegiate games I would recommend buy the best gear to avoid being an equipment whore like myself. I have a set for my little league and a set for college and high school kids.

I disagree.

 

ALWAYS buy the best gear you can get. You will not regret it.

 

Have to agree with JaxRolo on this. I think it is a big disservice to suggest buying inferior gear. You get hit at the lower levels much more so get Good equipment right out of the gate. Protect your feet with good shoes on the plate and bases, meaning support on the bases. I highly recommend New Balance at both positions. I would suggest buying good Honigs poly wool pants, have had mine for years and they are great. Someone said full length tights, correct. For underneath get moisture wicking mock turtle neck shirts and always get quality shirts. You are going to be using these things for years if you decide to continue. If not you can sell them and recoup some of your money. And TEAM WENDYS pads for your mask.

 

For anything under 12U sorry guys I am not going all out with my WV gold CP and SG. I have a set for those games just my personal preference. 

[afaber12]

When I first started umpiring, I used my catchers gear for the plate, and only bought things I didn't already have. I'm in Australia, and at the time as much as the exchange rate was good, the shipping almost doubles prices. On top of that, I had just gotten a full time job, so money was an issue. The catchers gear did enough, but any hits in the shoulder area were pretty tough to take.

Word to any catchers out there: if the blue takes one, go have a chat with your pitcher and give the blue a chance to regather himself. He'll make sure the plate is clean if you cop one.

Soon as I could afford it, I got WV platinum chest protector and shin guards. Maybe they attract the ball like magnets, but every game I've worn them I've been hit. But it's been "Oh, that hit me. Nope, feeling fine!" rather than "Damn that's going to still be hurting tomorrow!" as well as flinching more at anything up and in.

Also, when I got the good stuff, I felt like a proper umpire, rather than someone playing dress up. I didn't feel it before the good stuff, but suddenly felt better with it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kylejt]

 

 

 

Take into consideration what level you plan on working. If you plan on moving up to working high school and some collegiate games I would recommend buy the best gear to avoid being an equipment whore like myself. I have a set for my little league and a set for college and high school kids.

I disagree.

 

ALWAYS buy the best gear you can get. You will not regret it.

 

Have to agree with JaxRolo on this. I think it is a big disservice to suggest buying inferior gear. You get hit at the lower levels much more so get Good equipment right out of the gate. Protect your feet with good shoes on the plate and bases, meaning support on the bases. I highly recommend New Balance at both positions. I would suggest buying good Honigs poly wool pants, have had mine for years and they are great. Someone said full length tights, correct. For underneath get moisture wicking mock turtle neck shirts and always get quality shirts. You are going to be using these things for years if you decide to continue. If not you can sell them and recoup some of your money. And TEAM WENDYS pads for your mask.

 

For anything under 12U sorry guys I am not going all out with my WV gold CP and SG. I have a set for those games just my personal preference. 

 

I've seen 80+MPH from 12 year olds, twice. From 46', that gets on you, and the catcher really quickly. The reaction time for a 12 year catcher to glove it is quicker than any other ball, at any level. One kid, during a LL playoff tournament, put two catchers, and two umpires out of comission(busted hand, broken mask, and that was on the umpires)

 

In a 10U game, I took a shot to the chest that messed with my heart. I was using a McGregor ribbed protector. Since then, I'll not a take a chance with lesser gear.

[Jglopez7]

Take into consideration what level you plan on working. If you plan on moving up to working high school and some collegiate games I would recommend buy the best gear to avoid being an equipment whore like myself. I have a set for my little league and a set for college and high school kids.

I disagree.

ALWAYS buy the best gear you can get. You will not regret it.

Have to agree with JaxRolo on this. I think it is a big disservice to suggest buying inferior gear. You get hit at the lower levels much more so get Good equipment right out of the gate. Protect your feet with good shoes on the plate and bases, meaning support on the bases. I highly recommend New Balance at both positions. I would suggest buying good Honigs poly wool pants, have had mine for years and they are great. Someone said full length tights, correct. For underneath get moisture wicking mock turtle neck shirts and always get quality shirts. You are going to be using these things for years if you decide to continue. If not you can sell them and recoup some of your money. And TEAM WENDYS pads for your mask.

For anything under 12U sorry guys I am not going all out with my WV gold CP and SG. I have a set for those games just my personal preference.

I've seen 80+MPH from 12 year olds, twice. From 46', that gets on you, and the catcher really quickly. The reaction time for a 12 year catcher to glove it is quicker than any other ball, at any level. One kid, during a LL playoff tournament, put two catchers, and two umpires out of comission(busted hand, broken mask, and that was on the umpires)

In a 10U game, I took a shot to the chest that messed with my heart. I was using a McGregor ribbed protector. Since then, I'll not a take a chance with lesser gear.

Sounds like my little league pitchers couldn't break glass with their fast ball! Hahaha of course during playoffs I will suit up for the level of play. Buy the best equipment you can at first.