Equipment Questions - Newbie

[danicol12]

I bought a navy blue pullover jacket because the MHSAA "Official's Guide" says that's the color it should be, however, I'm hearing I should have a black jacket. What's the rule or general consenses?

Also, I already bought a chest protector, but I had a hard time choosing one. I bought the Diamond iX3 padded chest protector, but should I have gone with a hard plastic one?

Same with the face mask, I went with the Diamond iX3 mask, but should I have gone with the helmet-style (hockey mask style)? Thanks for all your guys' help!

Also, are the leg guards worn under the pants or over? Thanks so much!

[FVBump]

I bought a navy blue pullover jacket because the MHSAA "Official's Guide" says that's the color it should be, however, I'm hearing I should have a black jacket. What's the rule or general consenses?

Also, I already bought a chest protector, but I had a hard time choosing one. I bought the Diamond iX3 padded chest protector, but should I have gone with a hard plastic one?

Same with the face mask, I went with the Diamond iX3 mask, but should I have gone with the helmet-style (hockey mask style)? Thanks for all your guys' help!

Also, are the leg guards worn under the pants or over? Thanks so much!

Welcome Danicol~

Check with other guys in your association as to the color of the jacket. If you are working 2 man crew, you will want to match your partner.

If you are doing high school ball (FED), I would personally go with a hard shell protector. Most guys swear by the Wilson Gold and Platinum ($$), but there are some guys who use a Champion that is relatively more affordable. I learned my lesson last year with the Diamond CP, and after the purchase of a Wilson Gold, I wear my Diamond for small ball games, up to about 11u. The Diamond does not offer sufficient collarbone protection.

Face mask would be your personal preference. If you wear the traditional mask, make sure it is loose enough so that if you take one to the mask, the mask will move taking the impact.

And your shin guards most definately go under your pants.

[danicol12]

Thanks so much!!!

[JaxRolo]

I had the ix3 cp until I took a foul ball to the chest that left a bruise for a month.

The diamond mask is fine but may want better pads

[NovaScotiaBlue]

I bought a navy blue pullover jacket because the MHSAA "Official's Guide" says that's the color it should be, however, I'm hearing I should have a black jacket. What's the rule or general consenses?

Also, I already bought a chest protector, but I had a hard time choosing one. I bought the Diamond iX3 padded chest protector, but should I have gone with a hard plastic one?

Same with the face mask, I went with the Diamond iX3 mask, but should I have gone with the helmet-style (hockey mask style)? Thanks for all your guys' help!

Also, are the leg guards worn under the pants or over? Thanks so much!

Welcome to the club!!!!

As a newbie I'm assuming you will be doing low level games so the initial CP purchase will do you for the short term. HOWEVER, if you plan to do this for the long term Upgrade early, the money spent will increase your chances of staying safe behind the plate as you start doing upper level games. Talk to some of the umpires who do the upper level games now, see what gear they use get their opinions and make choices that way

Uniform standards are usually decided by your association. So check with the leadership to see what you should have in your gear bag. If Blue is the standard, you don't need to get other colours initially. Every one you work with should have that colour so you are all good.

And PLEEEEAAASSSEEE, wear your shinpads under your pants, DON'T weat you hat backwards when you are the Plate Ump, buy a plate hat they are not that expensive, and most importantly...HAVE FUN!!!!! Remember Rule 1.01

"Baseball is a GAME played between 2 teams"

Have a great season

[Umpire in Chief]

Welcome to our addiction.

You've been given some great advice. Here are my less valuable thoughts...

Your gear sounds adequate assuming your starting off with lower level ball. I wore a traditional ribbed CP my first few years of HS ball and lived to tell the tale. But as you move up I would suggest getting a hard shell CP.

The mask is fine. The mask/ helmet question is a personal choice. I'm currently a mask guy, but have given more thought to the helmet over the past 2 years or so, so who knows.

Welcome to the site and I hope you stick around.

[gatoremt]

I would say find someone with a helmet mask and try it on. I switched to one 2 years ago and I love it. I wear the Wilson. I have been hit in the head 3 times since I bought. I also upgraded to a Wilson platnium. I love it also. It is a little high but worth it after you take one off the chest.

On the jacket issue I would say go with what everyone in your association is wearing. Welcome to the umpire club it is a lot of fun.