New Umpire Equipment Conundrum

[tcasterlin]

For what it's worth (.02) it depends on what your goals are as an umpire.  For example, are you looking to umpire long term and to work lots of games and move up to better levels of baseball?  If so, then I would recommend getting the best equipment that you can comfortably afford, including uniforms and footwear, the investment will take a season or so to pay for itself, but it is worth it.  If, however, this is a part time gig and not too long term, go as cheap as you can without compromising your safety. There is enough good used stuff out there that you can set yourself up without breaking the bank too badly...Best of luck!!

[WIUMP]

I'm revisiting this again. I didn't want to create a new topic but I have an additional inquiry regarding dress.

 

I knew coming in that umpires (the halfway competent ones, at least) coordinate their shirt colors. I was given a black shirt (not MLB-style) and Light Blue (black trim) shirt. I also picked up a Majestic navy blue shirt. I've noticed that the Majestic navy blue shirt has a different trim style than other navy shirts. How anal do (should) umpires get about matching? Is my Majestic shirt acceptable if my partner has a Honigs? What about pants; charcoal vs. heather?

 

Thanks again.

[MikeSafari]

It varies widely. Where I work, I know only one other umpire with the Majestic-style shirts, and he and I occasionally wear them together. I think shirt styles should match 100%, as everyone's going to be looking at your upper body when you make a call.

 

The pants debate is a little hairier (pun not intended). I still think it looks best if they both match, but if you absolutely can't, it's not a huge deal. Pants are pretty cheap, though, so if you run into that issue a lot, just buy both charcoal and heather.

[Tksjewelry]

I think it looks better if it all matches. Around here, most everyone wears Smitty shirts because our local supplier only carries that brand. The one guy I work with that wears other brands, he carries extra shirts for his partners. I've picked up all my shirts on Amazon dirt cheap ($8) so I now have multiple brands in lots of colors to choose from. I've also gathered all the jacket colors and styles on Amazon for less than $15. I hated being that umpire that only had the light blue for my first tournament, so I was on a mission to get as many options as I could for this year.

Pants, personally, I think the charcoal looks the sharpest but most have Heather around here still. My partners are kind of stuck with Heather with me until I'm able to track down plate pants.

The night before games I make sure I email or text partners to coordinate what we are wearing. Makes things easier than showing up to a field and arranging it in a parking lot.

[WIUMP]

Off the top of my head, these are the possible shirt choices. Please fill in any I may have missed.

 

Pro Black (2015, no piping)

Pro Black (2014, piping on sides/sleeves)

Black (2 white stripes on sleeves)

Majestic Navy (smaller red/white stripes around 3/4 of sleeve)

Navy

Powder Blue (navy/white stripes)

Lt. Blue (black/white stripes)

Scarlet Red

Gray

White

Cream

Pink

 

As a rookie, I'm sure I'll take my share of solo games but I'd like for a majority of my shirts to match anything my potential partner would have.

[Majordave]

I am wiling to bet that if you have the same color shirt on, regardless of trim width, and gray pants, regardless of charcoal or heather or something in between, and your shoes are black that no one, except another umpire,  will notice.  That being said, your list is good.  Many hate the red but USSSA wears it as their primary color.  What is important is that you look neat and groomed and that you hustle and are consistent and know the rules and are approachable and look or try to look like you are at least enjoying yourself/like what you are doing/want to be there.

 

Do a good pre-game meeting with your partner.  Do everything in your power to make sure you do that with someone you haven't worked with before or in a while.  These first few years are crucial to establishing good habits, learning as much as you can and establishing your credibility in your area.  Keep on asking these great questions.  

[MadMax]

@Matthew Turner, up here in Wisconsin, you'll have to get used to the majority of "umpire partners" having nothing but Navy and Powder. Why? Because that's all that Milwaukee Sporting Goods, Dunham's, and Burghardt's ever carries/d.

 

And, I'm convinced there was some old vulture who sat in at New Umpire Orientation Meetings, and told new guys "All you'll have to wear is Navy, and I happen to have bumpteen of them in every size from XS - 4XL for sale in this here box for yeh."

 

With that said, I think MLB Black and MLB Sky give you the best look, hands down (yes, personal and professional bias). There are other Milwaukee guys who have them. You also have Classic Black (great look) and "Pro Blue" (Powder w/ black trim), which are both excellent looks. A few guys have the whole set, complete with the navy-trimmed shirts (Red, White) and gray. Scant few have Cream, while others will have Pink for special occasions (softball, Mother's Day, or when he wants to impress SWMBO or SHBMs). That "Majestic Navy" you have sounds like the new 2015 version(?). If not (or even if it is), I believe that will suffice enough for the majority of your games wherein your partner has ... ugh, cough... navy.