Facebook discussion: 1 or 2 ball bags

[Thunderheads 3,086]

There's a Facebook discussion going on in an umpire page that has me completely baffled!

It's a photo of an enthusiastic umpire jumping in the air, ....it appears while calling a strike three.  Someone commented on how stupid it looked (true) but also said, .... "no plate shoes, and only one ball bag, what level league is this?"   And then the discussion/argument started.

Higher levels of baseball should have plate umpires using 2 ball-bags .....was basically the gist .....

I'm leaving my opinion out for a while, but ..... what say you?

Should you be wearing 2 ball-bags at higher levels?  Does it matter?

Go ........

[grayhawk 3,710]

Some MLB umpires only use one. Last I checked, that's the highest level there is. I use two, but it's personal preference.

[catsbackr 533]

2.

[Thunderheads 3,086]

2.

thanks for the in depth analysis! LOL

[ricka56 1,144]

2 when on the dish
1 when I'm on the bases. 

[Jimurray 901]

Tall 2, short 1. 

[Thunderheads 3,086]

Ok, ...can we honestly answer the question ....and give reasons too, please?

[Jeff C. 72]

First of all, who really cares?  That being said,  I will use two 98% of the time.  Sometimes in summer games, I will just use 1.  Like Grayhawk said, it's a personal choice.

[Thunderheads 3,086]

First of all, who really cares?  That being said,  I will use two 98% of the time.  Sometimes in summer games, I will just use 1.  Like Grayhawk said, it's a personal choice.

Jeff, I agree "who cares", but ............ some people on this facebook page sure do ........

[djkiley 2]

So lower levels where both coaches provide 2 ball each (4 total) There is no reason whatsoever to wear two. In HS and above where you can have as many as you want I'd say 2. I like balance personally. I would bring 7 out of the locker room. 3 right 3 left and one on the rubber! lol who am I kidding. I never got that steak dinner! It's a silly argument though. I mean honestly. Other than aesthetics... The only logical argument to only having one is that you'd be asking for more baseballs more often...

[DVA7130 198]

I've worn one every dish of my life, but this HS association wants two ball bags, so one just came in the mail.

[gnhbua93 1,085]

I use 2. I keep the balls given by each dugout on the ball bag facing that dugout. While I can I give the team at bat ball to the pitcher. But, seriously this thread must be move to the Umpire Equipment section.

[Thunderheads 3,086]

I use 2. I keep the balls given by each dugout on the ball bag facing that dugout. While I can I give the team at bat ball to the pitcher. But, seriously this thread must be move to the Umpire Equipment section.

It's not a discussion about equipment per say .... it's about wearing them ..... and a stupid discussion on facebook, that's why I put it here .... sorry

[Thunderheads 3,086]

I've worn one every dish of my life, but this HS association wants two ball bags, so one just came in the mail.

that's ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gnhbua93 1,085]

The majority of those groups discussions that Rolo moderates are stupid. Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

[Thunderheads 3,086]

The majority of those groups discussions that Rolo moderates are stupid. Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

not Rolo's page

[gnhbua93 1,085]

Then that's a miracle. LOL Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

[hckyosgood30 149]

This stems back to aways in MLB baseball.  It used to help indicate after the strike if you where a AL vs NL guy.  Also it was a indicator that you went to Harry's vs Jimmy's school.  You'll see alot of ex-MiLB guys doing it.  So now there has become a stigma against guys in higher levels who haven't earned the right to that distinction.  Is it a personal preference yes, however understanding at the high levels that this might be seen by others is important.  I use two for the simple fact that I can't have any misperception from anyone with it.  It makes it easier and doesn't draw undue attention.  Whether your tall or short, ex pro/amatuer, in LL or College.  2 ball bags is the conservative route to go.

[catsbackr 533]

Sorry for being so brief.

 

I start the game with 6 baseballs.  I signal to the home team dugout when I get down to 2 baseballs for them to bring me 4 more.  We can't play without baseballs, so it is important to keep a ball in the game to keep the game moving.

 

I start and try to keep 6 baseballs throughout the game, I can't put 6 baseballs in 1 ball bag.

[gnhbua93 1,085]

I have to round up my ball bag statement saying that is easier to return the baseball to its owner easier that way.

[Mudisfun 643]

Typically I use two... just like the balance.

If I am working a game where I know for a fact 3 balls are all I am going to get (LL for instance) then I will typically use one bag only. Anything higher then two is my default.since we normally can get 4-6 balls.

Plus I need somewhere to keep my keys, wallet, phone, iPad, water, snack, sun screen, spare batteries for phone and so on and so forth.

[ElkOil 752]

I've experimented this past season and have settled on wearing three.  One on each side, and one in the back like a fanny pack.  I tried a fourth in front, but it looked too much like a loin cloth and one of the parents complained to my association that I appeared culturally insensitive, so they made me take it off .  Fine.  I was willing to make that concession, but not without an argument.

So in my right bag, I keep baseballs and my brush.  In the left I keep a facecloth, spare clicker (yes, I said it!) and my watch.  In the rear I have a collection of autographed Glamour Shots that I pass out to any attractive single moms in the stands between innings. So far I've been arrested once, slapped twice and got a fake phone number for my efforts.  I'll keep at it, though, because I'm no quitter.

[FleasOf1000Camels 282]

Any umpire, association or web group that thinks this is an important issue...is picking for boogers.

1 bag, 2 bags...whatever YOU feel comfortable with.

[stkjock 383]

not being a umpire myself, frankly I'm a bit surprised that this topic would be of such controversy to be debated like it is, I'd hate to see the conversation on what athletic supporter is best to use.   

 

[ricka56 1,144]

2 ball bags...I don't want the sunflower seed dust in my plate pants pockets.