A Hypothetical Question

[MidAmUmp]

I want to start by saying this has absolutely nothing to do with my clinic or any clinic I'm affiliated with.  It's just a hypothetical question about equipment vs. training.

 

I see more and more people posting on here about having 2, 3, 4 or more masks, back up chest protectors, top of the line this and top of the line that.  Sending masks off to get coated a cool color.  Retrofitting CP's.  Buying Nike masks, Japanese umpire gear, etc. on Ebay to look cool or be different than everyone else.  Getting the latest uniforms even though others in your area don't have them just so you can be the first...BTW, for you jock sniffers out there, Majestic is supposed to be coming out with new MLB uniforms next year.  Hurry up and get your orders placed.

 

Meanwhile, there's considerable movement taking place right now at the college level - more and more D1 conferences are going to 4-man crews and there is an obvious domino effect of guys moving up as these BCS Conferences hire more umpires from the Mid-Major conferences to their full time staffs.

 

So here's my question...

For most umpires, we don't have unlimited income at our disposal, let's say you have set aside $500 for "umpiring needs".  Would you rather purchase things I've listed above to help you look the part/look cool/stand out -OR- would you look at the big umpiring picture and invest that money into clinics to get in front of supervisors who are looking to hire in lower level D1, D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO conferences to replace those umpires who are moving up?

 

Again, this has nothing to do with any of my clinics.  I just see a troubling trend taking place and eventually these conferences are going to get staffs in place and the major movement will stop and we'll be back to the few openings a year due to retirement and firings.  I'm curious about everyone's priorities and if they recognize what's going on around them.

[mbkcoach]

NCAA clinic in January In Baltimore. What else would you suggest. I'm a HS head football coach so durin season is out of question for me. One clinic in GA in February that I know of. You make a great point!

[GreyhoundAggie]

I don't disagree with you at all MidAm. I have good equipment, but not multiple sets of everything. I plan to get a backup mask and CP just in case my equipment fails. Most of my new stuff tends to be replacement shirts, hats, etc.

 

I have been to a couple of clinics, I am thinking seriously about coming to yours. The one clinic I went to with MLB instructors improved my umpiring 100%.

 

I plan to focus more time and effort on training in order to move up in my organization, and possibly get exposure to higher level baseball.

 

Your clinic is a small price to pay to vastly improve your technique and game skills. Getting evaluated is one of the only ways I have found to get better because a majority of the time in normal games I am not working with highly trained or knowledgeable umpires. So they are not in a position to evaluate my game or to help me improve.

 

There are too many guys just looking for a paycheck and not looking to get better.

[rjt6]

What kind of gear do you use? 

 

Like mask, chest protector, shins, etc. @MidAmUmp

[MidAmUmp]

Again, please don't think this has anything to do with my clinic.  There are outstanding clinics across the country that will get you where you want to go.  My question is just if you had $500 allocated specifically for umpiring, what would you spend it on?  I mean some people have top of the line gear and look really cool at their local ballpark, while there are other guys working in Omaha who are wearing 10+ year old CP's held together by bubble gum and duct tape.  I'm just curious where everyone's priorities are if you only had a little bit of money to spend.

 

This year I offered Oklahoma's catcher my $400 game fee for his Nike mask.  He told me he didn't know why umpires want one so bad, that he didn't think it was any better than any other mask he'd ever worn.  This is just something I've been thinking about all year.

[MidAmUmp]

What kind of gear do you use? 

 

Like mask, chest protector, shins, etc. @MidAmUmp

Right now I wear a +POS mask.  I just got it last week.  Before that I had a Champro Magnesium.

My CP is the All-Star System 7.

My shins are the Wilson charcoal, but I have a pair of Douglas I need to send to them to get reconditioned.

 

Why?

[MidAmUmp]

NCAA clinic in January In Baltimore. What else would you suggest. I'm a HS head football coach so durin season is out of question for me. One clinic in GA in February that I know of. You make a great point!

The NCAA "clinic" in January isn't going to get anyone hired.  I wish they'd stop calling it a clinic.

 

There are some clinics in the later winter/early spring.  One in Atlanta and one or two in Michigan.  There are a few in the summer that are good.

[umpstu]

I hung on to my WV equipment for years and plan to do the same with my current equipment.  If I spend good money on gear I want it to last, therefore I have no backup gear with the exception of a mask harness and shoestrings.  Usually attend a clinic yearly and the NCAA doesn't count as one of them.  That's a one day, get the information out meeting.  Clinics cover detailed mechanics, etc..  Have been to yours one year.  Will probably attend the Black and Blue clinic this year.  Oh, I do replace my shoes each year just for the support new ones give you.  Wearing them for five hundred games over two seasons can't be good for your feet or your umpiring.

[mbkcoach]

In in VA. Where are the best ones on east coast?

[Replacematt]

I think the question is valid, yet not definitive. If time wasn't an issue, I'd be taking that $500 and going to a clinic at least every other year. However, the chronology is the limiting factor. Getting my work schedule, schedule with my daughter, and clinic schedules to line up has yet to happen. I can go online and get my new stuff anytime I want. If there was a clinic being offered at 10 at night in my living room, I'd be there.

[mbkcoach]

Why is their not more online classes you can take or DVDs you can buy?

Why is their not more online classes you can take or DVDs you can buy?

[rjt6]

 

What kind of gear do you use? 

 

Like mask, chest protector, shins, etc. @MidAmUmp

Right now I wear a +POS mask.  I just got it last week.  Before that I had a Champro Magnesium.

My CP is the All-Star System 7.

My shins are the Wilson charcoal, but I have a pair of Douglas I need to send to them to get reconditioned.

 

Why?

 

@MidAmUmp - I don't know, just wondering.

[scrounge]

It depends, I guess, on what career trajectory and aspirations one has. Myself, if I could find the time or fit it in my schedule, I'd definitely use it for a clinic and am considering yours next year. I've spent $ on the few local clinics around here and they've definitely helped me move up to where I'm probably getting a full varsity schedule next year in my 5th year. But, realistically, at age 45 and not having the weekday flexibility to travel much, I know that anything beyond local summer college wood bat or the occasional DIII game is unrealistic at this stage of my life (assuming that rare lottery play doesn't come in - and it won't).

 

For those who know that all they will ever be - by circumstance, choice, or both - is a local HS or travel ball umpire, many of them get into stuff. And for others - a LOT of others - they're suckers for marketing. It's the same reason 80% of fishermen always buy the latest lures, the latest gear, etc...and catch 20% of the fish. For the 20% of fishermen or umpires who have both realistic chances of advancing AND the discipline to focus on improving their human capital vs their equipment, the clinic investment is far better. But again, that takes both discipline and the opportunity and ability to use that investment. For me, I've tried to balance it - enough clinic investment to reasonably achieve my goals but dammit, enough good equipment to be comfortable and satisfy a mild gearhead tendency.

 

And of course - clinics and self-improvement and working on your weaknesses takes WORK! Isn't it so much easier to BUY a professional piece of equipment than work to BE a professional behind the equipment?

[law_reb]

In 2000 I bought a mask, chest protector, and shin guards from Honigs. I didn't have any back-ups. 2 years ago I replaced my mask and kept the old one for a back-up. Later that year I worked a tournament in which they gave me a mask, it is now my back-up. This year I replaced my shin guards and chest protector. I gave my old mask, chest protector, and shins to a new umpire.

I guess I said all that to say gear is not my priority. I get what I like and stick with it. I'm still wearing the same Oakleys I wore playing in college. Until 2 years ago I didn't consider going to clinics, I didn't know any better. I worked high school and local youth ball and thought I was pretty good. Then I worked a tournament with "quality" umpires and I knew I wanted what they had. I've been to clinics each of the past 2 years and feel so much more confident with my abilities. I want to be one of the "quality" umpires and will continue to spend my money to make that happen.

[MidAmUmp]

Why is their not more online classes you can take or DVDs you can buy?

Why is their not more online classes you can take or DVDs you can buy?

Production cost and interest.

 

Warren tried an online course a couple years ago and it didn't generate much interest.

 

We tried to do a DVD last year but the cost of hiring a professional camera crew...even if they gave me the raw video to edit and put together myself...was astronomical.

[MidAmUmp]

 

 

What kind of gear do you use? 

 

Like mask, chest protector, shins, etc. @MidAmUmp

Right now I wear a +POS mask.  I just got it last week.  Before that I had a Champro Magnesium.

My CP is the All-Star System 7.

My shins are the Wilson charcoal, but I have a pair of Douglas I need to send to them to get reconditioned.

 

Why?

 

@MidAmUmp - I don't know, just wondering.

 

Wasn't trying to be a dick.  I just didn't know if you were going somewhere with it.  I bought the mask.  All-Star gave me the CP.  I've had the Wilson shins for 4 years & bought the Douglas shins this winter for $20 from an on-line consignment shop.  I've just never gotten around to sending them to Douglas to get them reconditioned.  Other than that, I pretty much have the standard stuff.  Team Wendy pads on my mask, I only have black and lt. blue jerseys, poly-wool pants, zig plate shoes, NB base shoes, conference hats, that's about it.

[NWA_UMP]

Clinics are great, but in my case a clinic is only for personal growth. I have been asked to work a group that does JuCo ball but I can't work it Into my schedule. For me, a 2pm start that requires a 4hour drive just won't work with my job. So for me, the chance to get called up is flattering but unworkable. @ 46 I have no illusions that I would get very far up the ladder even if I start now.

I have solid gear identical to what MidAmUmp uses. My money is spent on soft goods as needed. I will be replacing several shirts next year due to wear on my 3 year old Smitty shirts.

[JDavis225]

I want to start by saying this has absolutely nothing to do with my clinic or any clinic I'm affiliated with.  It's just a hypothetical question about equipment vs. training.

 

I see more and more people posting on here about having 2, 3, 4 or more masks, back up chest protectors, top of the line this and top of the line that.  Sending masks off to get coated a cool color.  Retrofitting CP's.  Buying Nike masks, Japanese umpire gear, etc. on Ebay to look cool or be different than everyone else.  Getting the latest uniforms even though others in your area don't have them just so you can be the first...BTW, for you jock sniffers out there, Majestic is supposed to be coming out with new MLB uniforms next year.  Hurry up and get your orders placed.

 

Meanwhile, there's considerable movement taking place right now at the college level - more and more D1 conferences are going to 4-man crews and there is an obvious domino effect of guys moving up as these BCS Conferences hire more umpires from the Mid-Major conferences to their full time staffs.

 

So here's my question...

For most umpires, we don't have unlimited income at our disposal, let's say you have set aside $500 for "umpiring needs".  Would you rather purchase things I've listed above to help you look the part/look cool/stand out -OR- would you look at the big umpiring picture and invest that money into clinics to get in front of supervisors who are looking to hire in lower level D1, D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO conferences to replace those umpires who are moving up?

 

Again, this has nothing to do with any of my clinics.  I just see a troubling trend taking place and eventually these conferences are going to get staffs in place and the major movement will stop and we'll be back to the few openings a year due to retirement and firings.  I'm curious about everyone's priorities and if they recognize what's going on around them.

I can't necessarily respond to the hypothetical because I spend more than $500 a year on umpire stuff unfortunately. I attended two camps/clinics last year (around $300 each) and have one under my belt this year with another scheduled for October. Aside from that, including uniforms and all the other nick backs I'm sure I've spent another $400 at least. I have the desire to move into higher level college ball after just finishing up my first year on a non-con D1 staff (11 games) so if it takes spending more than that $500 then I surely will do that to be seen. To answer the question though, in upcoming years, I'm spending that money on camps. The last thing I have to do is get a WV Gold and have it retrofitted. After that, I'm done with gear! 

[rjt6]

 

 

 

What kind of gear do you use? 

 

Like mask, chest protector, shins, etc. @MidAmUmp

Right now I wear a +POS mask.  I just got it last week.  Before that I had a Champro Magnesium.

My CP is the All-Star System 7.

My shins are the Wilson charcoal, but I have a pair of Douglas I need to send to them to get reconditioned.

 

Why?

 

@MidAmUmp - I don't know, just wondering.

 

Wasn't trying to be a dick.  I just didn't know if you were going somewhere with it.  I bought the mask.  All-Star gave me the CP.  I've had the Wilson shins for 4 years & bought the Douglas shins this winter for $20 from an on-line consignment shop.  I've just never gotten around to sending them to Douglas to get them reconditioned.  Other than that, I pretty much have the standard stuff.  Team Wendy pads on my mask, I only have black and lt. blue jerseys, poly-wool pants, zig plate shoes, NB base shoes, conference hats, that's about it.

 

@MidAmUmp - I knew you weren't trying to be one, I was just wondering.

[KenBAZ]

I appreciate the question, good to get us thinking. I only aspire to be the best HS umpire I can be. I'm still competitive as hell and want to be the best at whatever I do. I attend training with my HS Association and one other local weekend clinic. I spend time and money on manuals, casebooks and rule books. I'd like to invest in more training but the time away from my job is an issue. On the ither hand I'm on track to work 3-400 games thus year and need gear that will protect me. I have 4 chest protectors, two high end HSMs, three pairs of plate shoes, three sets of shins and my Nutty Buddy. One CP, one pair of plate shoes and my NB were purchased new. The rest of my gear was either passed along by other umpires moving up or purchased 2nd hand.

You may be preaching to the choir on this site because we've all decided on investing time here to learn more about our craft. It might be better if we asked our partners what they spend a year on gear vs continuing education.

[Jocko]

I know some ppl think I have a whole room in my house crammed full of gear. But perception isn't necessarily reality. I have one cp. One set of shins. Maybe 5 masks, but I enjoy refurbishing masks. One pair of base shoes. One pair of plate shoes. At least 10 different colored shirts and GD pants. I buy and swap gear until I find what I prefer. I only have plans on buying another wvg. Love my DaviShins. They'll last years n years. I prefer trades because it doesn't require out of pocket (only shipping) expenses. I will probably never attend Jason's clinic. Just too far and I wont be travelling that far for NCAA conferences that may be evaluating. As for NCAA clinics hoping for jobs, right now it's just not an option. I don't have the availability. Maybe when I sh*t or get off the pot about divorcing and moving it will become a realistic possibility. As for now, I have 5 car payments and a mortgage and a job that provides the funding for it all. And my game fees allow me extravagant vacations (AUSTRALIA!!!!! ). Each of us have a story and as much as I would love to work my way up, it's just not in the chapter I'm on. Yet. But, who knows what tha future holds?

[Jbpump15]

I'd love to attend your clinic as it is only a few hours from my house, however, I can't afford the cost or the time off work so for now I stick to high school level and metro collegiate ball while all the guys from my association that attend your clinic fill me in on how much they learned.

[Chris Hickman]

This is the best post I have read in a while. The gear I have most guys would drool over. However I have attended three 3 man camps In the past 7 years. Guys should spend more $$ on training than gear. midam is correct. Many conferences are going 4 man and there will be a trickle down effect. WE NEED good umpires.

[Magic]

I just applied for our local junior college unit. Should hear by the end of the month if I made it in or not. At 42 and with 6 kids I think JC ball is probably where I will max out at. But that's ok. I love umpiring. I have been to 6 clinics in the last 9 years. But only the local clinics put on by our association the last 2 years. I am trying to plan to attend the Jim Evans 5 day this year or next year. Or maybe the Black and Blue. We will see if time allows me to pull that off.

[JP_blue]

I want to start by saying this has absolutely nothing to do with my clinic or any clinic I'm affiliated with.  It's just a hypothetical question about equipment vs. training.

 

I see more and more people posting on here about having 2, 3, 4 or more masks, back up chest protectors, top of the line this and top of the line that.  Sending masks off to get coated a cool color.  Retrofitting CP's.  Buying Nike masks, Japanese umpire gear, etc. on Ebay to look cool or be different than everyone else.  Getting the latest uniforms even though others in your area don't have them just so you can be the first...BTW, for you jock sniffers out there, Majestic is supposed to be coming out with new MLB uniforms next year.  Hurry up and get your orders placed.

 

Meanwhile, there's considerable movement taking place right now at the college level - more and more D1 conferences are going to 4-man crews and there is an obvious domino effect of guys moving up as these BCS Conferences hire more umpires from the Mid-Major conferences to their full time staffs.

 

So here's my question...

For most umpires, we don't have unlimited income at our disposal, let's say you have set aside $500 for "umpiring needs".  Would you rather purchase things I've listed above to help you look the part/look cool/stand out -OR- would you look at the big umpiring picture and invest that money into clinics to get in front of supervisors who are looking to hire in lower level D1, D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO conferences to replace those umpires who are moving up?

 

Again, this has nothing to do with any of my clinics.  I just see a troubling trend taking place and eventually these conferences are going to get staffs in place and the major movement will stop and we'll be back to the few openings a year due to retirement and firings.  I'm curious about everyone's priorities and if they recognize what's going on around them.

Since this is my first year back umpiring after an 8 year break, I've had to replenish my equipment and wardrobe and am in a different position than many veterans here. I've probably spent close to $500 on new equipment and clothing. I have a backup mask, shins, and cp and enough clothes to last me for a couple seasons (except for some new plate PW's I'll need soon). I'm not a gear junkie, by any stretch (I look for function and safety and will never drop the $ for a Nike mask or post on the "mask porn" thread), so most of my future $ will go towards training and education.