How many of each piece of equipment do you keep on hand at one time? ...and help needed to clean shoes, please.

[SeeingEyeDog]

This is clearly a financial answer, as much as it is a practical one. And most of us are fortunate to live in places where most of our equipment, gear, tools, etc. can be shipped within 1-2 days and most arrive in a week. (Although recently, I got a great price on a Champro Rampage from EpicSports which I ordered last week but, won't ship until next week...)

I'm currently looking through all my gear, uniforms...everything...as the season is winding down, seeing what I can fob off on @wolfe_man but, this inventory has lead me to ask myself...What items must I always keep doubles or more of on hand, ready for use? I'm trying to strike a balance between looking like I am running an umpire equipment shop out of the trunk of my car, while also not being caught out when something breaks or I need a replacement...and it's not there.

What is working for you guys? What is not working for you guys?

Also, I am having trouble keeping the sides of the soles of my NB base shoes clean. I use a wet scrub brush on them post-game and then I pull them out for my next game...and there is still a sheen of clay in all of the cracks and crevices of those sole edges. I have black Pedag shoe polish but, I wouldn't think I'd want to use that on the edges of the soles...what am I missing here?

~Dog

[Thatsnotyou]

Extras:

Mask, shoes (both), shoelaces, belt, pants (both), indicators are the big ones for me. Always have the usual backup undershirts, socks. All cold gear. 
 

I don’t have an extra chest protector or shin guards with me. I figure even if something goes “wrong“ there, they are still usable. Plus they are large pieces to haul around as extras. Save the space. 

[JimKirk]

4 hours ago, SeeingEyeDog said:

This is clearly a financial answer, as much as it is a practical one. And most of us are fortunate to live in places where most of our equipment, gear, tools, etc. can be shipped within 1-2 days and most arrive in a week. (Although recently, I got a great price on a Champro Rampage from EpicSports which I ordered last week but, won't ship until next week...)

I'm currently looking through all my gear, uniforms...everything...as the season is winding down, seeing what I can fob off on @wolfe_man but, this inventory has lead me to ask myself...What items must I always keep doubles or more of on hand, ready for use? I'm trying to strike a balance between looking like I am running an umpire equipment shop out of the trunk of my car, while also not being caught out when something breaks or I need a replacement...and it's not there.

What is working for you guys? What is not working for you guys?

Also, I am having trouble keeping the sides of the soles of my NB base shoes clean. I use a wet scrub brush on them post-game and then I pull them out for my next game...and there is still a sheen of clay in all of the cracks and crevices of those sole edges. I have black Pedag shoe polish but, I wouldn't think I'd want to use that on the edges of the soles...what am I missing here?

~Dog

We just had that at 79.99 a few months back. Please make sure you don’t miss out next time.

https://www.ump-attire.com/mailsub.html

[Thunderheads]

13 hours ago, SeeingEyeDog said:

This is clearly a financial answer, as much as it is a practical one. And most of us are fortunate to live in places where most of our equipment, gear, tools, etc. can be shipped within 1-2 days and most arrive in a week. (Although recently, I got a great price on a Champro Rampage from EpicSports which I ordered last week but, won't ship until next week...)

I'm currently looking through all my gear, uniforms...everything...as the season is winding down, seeing what I can fob off on @wolfe_man but, this inventory has lead me to ask myself...What items must I always keep doubles or more of on hand, ready for use? I'm trying to strike a balance between looking like I am running an umpire equipment shop out of the trunk of my car, while also not being caught out when something breaks or I need a replacement...and it's not there.

What is working for you guys? What is not working for you guys?

Also, I am having trouble keeping the sides of the soles of my NB base shoes clean. I use a wet scrub brush on them post-game and then I pull them out for my next game...and there is still a sheen of clay in all of the cracks and crevices of those sole edges. I have black Pedag shoe polish but, I wouldn't think I'd want to use that on the edges of the soles...what am I missing here?

~Dog

Dog, .... having back-ups of things is never a bad idea, of course however, it will all depend on how much you're working.  I used to do quite a bit of tournament work during the Summer weekends .... 4, and sometimes 5 games per day Saturday and Sunday.  During that time, I had more 'back-ups' available just in case, i.e.; mask, CP, and an older pair of shins.  Now, what @Thatsnotyou said is very valid; the less larger pieces you carry, the more space you save.  It's true, but yes, a quick back-up CP could help trying to 'fix' a broken t-hook, or harness...it's all a personal preference.

I'm not doing tournament work anymore, and strictly a high-school schedule, so the most I'll do in a day is a DH.  Once that started, I soon realized what I did and didn't need as back-ups.  That being said, checking all of your equipment before a season starts is a great idea.  This will greatly decrease the likelihood of having an issue during a season.  Again, it's all personal preference.   What I do is keep an extra harness, leg guard straps-hooks, and CP t-hooks on hand just in case something happens.  This leads me to the following:  The link below here is one of the equipment forums most epic threads.  It's basically an emergency umpire kit full of everything you need, may need, and everything in between.  It's a great (long) read with numerous ideas on how to be prepared.  A lot of people thought it was hog-wash, but I can't tell you how many people wound up doing this, and how often it 'saved' them because they ALWAYS HAD EVERYTHING they needed all in one nice little space!  Link below:

Within, you'll also find supplies needed for properly cleaning shoes before and between games.  You're much better off searching the equipment forum for 'cleaning shoes' or 'shoe cleaning' ....you'll be reading for days!   Quickly though .... A lot of us use 2 different (inexpensive) spray bottles (home depot).  Fill one of the bottles with water.   Then for the other, get Murphy's Oil soap (will last many seasons) and put about a cap-full or so in the bottom of the second spray bottle.  Then fill the rest with water so you make a Murphy's oil soap & water cleaning solution.   Have plenty of microfiber towels on hand, and you're set for shoe cleaning.  Spray w/ water then wipe, then follow with the Murphy's solution, then wipe.  If you do this after every game, your shoes will stay looking sharp and not so dirty.

For ALL the "dirty details" (see what I did there? LOL) ..... go to the equipment forum and search for 'shoe cleaning'.    Both the Finnerty Supply Bucket, and the shoe cleaning search will keep you reading for days ....literally!  Good luck!

[Aging_Arbiter]

Now I will state this again, *** DISCLAIMER - I do not work for @JimKirk, nor is this a paid advertisement.

but I digress..............I have at least 2 of everything. For example, in early spring when HS ball starts, I have my F3 chest protector.  When Little league starts rolling and it gets warmer out, I have my Schutt (Adams) CP.  If I am doing lower level wreck ball, I might use my diamond mask with team wendy pads and spyder TG.  At higher levels, I use my F3 mask & TG.  I use F3 shins during HS, but Davis shins when it warms up.  they are lighter and cooler.  I have the NB plate shoes, but I have a different pair of the old patent leather tucked away for special occasions.

 

Now, in reference to the disclaimer, I know a few guys that have ordered new masks/CPs/leg guards, etc. because I happened to have my 2nd gear bag in the back of my truck, for them to feel the weight, check profile/fit, etc.......

When SWMBO gets ready to submit an order to ump-attire, she always asks if there is anything I need in order or if anything needs to be replaced as a back up for my back up.  Just a running joke (since I already have a back up for my back up).

[JimKirk]

38 minutes ago, Aging_Arbiter said:

Now I will state this again, *** DISCLAIMER - I do not work for @JimKirk, nor is this a paid advertisement.

Funny. If you did, you would be saying to have 3 of everything.

[boyinr]

I typically have an extra mask and 2 pairs of base shoes (one turf, the other more aggressive) and 2 personal protectors when going to a game.  I wont include the consumables (indicators, brushes, etc.).     

I focus my prep on looking over the gear fairly regularly and being proactive in replacing something that is worn.  I learned a long time ago those last few miles aren't really worth it.  I also carry spare shoelaces, a roll of 1" Gorilla tape, a few zip ties and a swiss army knife.  MacGyver saved the free world with less, so I figure I can get through a simple gear repair if I need to.     

[SeeingEyeDog]

@JimKirk, some of your competitors sell indicators with bulk pricing. Any chance you might consider this?

~Dog

[JimKirk]

15 hours ago, SeeingEyeDog said:

@JimKirk, some of your competitors sell indicators with bulk pricing. Any chance you might consider this?

~Dog

Thanks for the question @SeeingEyeDogI’d like to learn more. Can you send me a PM about it?

[GerryB]

Aside from apparel, I have two masks. I once took an eye-bar bender in the fourth inning. It was a relief to have the second available. 

[MadMax]

As the resident Road Umpire and a gear tinkerer, I'm in a unique position. On the one hand, I'm constantly acquiring, tinkering with, improving, using, and dealing away gear to colleagues. On the other, I have to keep the gear I travel with to the bare essentials, for the sake of fitting on the various flights, trains, vans & crew cars I've utilized to be the roving official I am.

So, when I'm local to either Phoenix, AZ or Milwaukee, WI, my arsenal of gear usually travels with me in the back of my car. Uniforms aside (which are a whole other topic), I will often bring additional masks (depending on availability, both types), CPs, shinguards, hats, ball bags, base shoes and plate shoes (depending on availability), harnesses, black duct tape, hardware and tools. I've been known to repair / upgrade pieces of equipment, resize it, swap or sell it to any experience level of colleague umpire.

However, when I hit the road, I'm limited to my rolling gear bag and the 45-50 lb weight limit the airlines impose upon it. Of course, I'm never without my Leatherman multitool, black duct tape, electrical tape, roll of velcro strips, and two sets of shoelaces. Then, I have my primary set of umpire gear. Here's what I pack a second of, specifically:

• A traditional mask; to either replace my primary, should it get damaged, or to loan out to a colleague umpire, especially one who's assigned to plate and forgot or misplaced his. Additionally, a HSM wearer should carry a TM as a spare, if only for loaning to your partner (if he's assigned to plate and forgets his mask, or if you are injured on plate), or if attending a camp or clinic. Really top-notch camps and clinics will want to conduct plate exercises, in which you should have a/your mask with you.
• A plain, non-descript, flex-fit black cap. Loan/sell this out to a partner, or use it if the game you show up for isn't jiving with the hat you have/brought (such as wearing a USSSA hat during a PG or TripleCrown event).
• A second personal protector (generic, low-cost but effective); loan/sell it out as needed, or use it should you misplace/forget/break your primary
• Black socks
• Black belt, generously sized for 30-48; use just in case yours breaks, or especially if your partner forgets/breaks his.
• Pens

I'm perfectly at ease with allowing my partner or a colleague on an adjacent field to use any other piece of my gear (as long as I'm not using it already). 

[SeeingEyeDog]

@JimKirk, I tried sending you a PM and the system says you are "unable to receive messages".

[Aging_Arbiter]

On ‎8‎/‎22‎/‎2020 at 4:14 PM, MadMax said:

for the sake of fitting on the various flights, trains, vans & crew cars I've utilized to be the roving official I am.

Why didn't you just use the "Planes, trains & automobiles" reference you so badly wanted to?

[MadMax]

On 8/20/2020 at 6:13 PM, SeeingEyeDog said:

Also, I am having trouble keeping the sides of the soles of my NB base shoes clean.

Others swear by Scrubbing Bubbles. I use this:

and a utility brush, or even an old tooth brush (occasionally). Let the spray, though, sit on the shoe for about a minute and draw the dirt / clay / slurry out before scrubbing and rinsing.

1 hour ago, Aging_Arbiter said:

Why didn't you just use the "Planes, trains & automobiles" reference you so badly wanted to?

Yeah, I missed it. 

[kylehutson]

On 8/21/2020 at 12:15 PM, boyinr said:

I also carry spare shoelaces, a roll of 1" Gorilla tape, a few zip ties and a swiss army knife.

And a <$2 sewing kit from Wal-Mart. It doesn't come out very often, but very useful when it does.