Plate Coats

[834k3r]

I'm considering adding a plate coat to my umpire wardrobe, but I'd like input from the masses as to what they think of the experience. Is it hot? Does it wear well?

I'd like all thoughts and recommendations--even those that don't recommend getting a plate coat. (I don't want to spend that kind of money and not use it)

Thank you in advance!

[Baseballer]

I like the look of a plate coat. But to me it's more practical to have a jacket for the plate. I've always worn a jacket on the plate if it's really cold or raining. I save the long sleeve shirts for the brisk days. But a plate coat definitely has a "cool" factor to it.

[MadMax]

🧐

1 hour ago, 834k3r said:

Is it hot?

You live and operate in Idaho, do you not? 

I operate all across the continent, and thru all the varieties of temperature and conditions I’ve done PU for, I only ever wear a short-sleeved umpire shirt, a long-sleeved umpire shirt, or a plate coat. 

I shall never wear a jacket on plate. Ever. 

1 hour ago, 834k3r said:

Does it wear well?

It meets and makes the game. If it’s a “big” game, and at or will become less than 70°, my crews & partners know – I’m wearing it. If it’s less than 50°, on full 60-90, I’m wearing it (little kids, youth? No point). 

I even wore it at CDP! 

1 hour ago, 834k3r said:

even those that don't recommend getting a plate coat.

Those folks are jealous, in a word. 

1 hour ago, 834k3r said:

I don't want to spend that kind of money and not use it

Heh. Ya know how much mine was? 

• Summer-weight sport coat, 44L: $25
• Fabric & parts for ball pockets: $10
• Seamstress’ work: $45 

Yup, $80 does make ya look like $1M. 
🤑

[DerekGDS]

4 minutes ago, MadMax said:

Heh. Ya know how much mine was? 

• Summer-weight sport coat, 44L: $25
• Fabric & parts for ball pockets: $10
• Seamstress’ work: $45 

As a retailer representative, I do not approve of your cost saving methods. 😂

[mac266]

I'm obviously a huge fan based on my profile pic.  That one is actually navy blue, and was given to me by a retiring umpire.  My black one is by Out West Officials, and I highly recommend them.  You bring a significant amount of class to the diamond when you walk out in a plate coat (I've overheard players commenting that "we got the good umpires" without ever having seen me work before).  I also recommend getting it tailored.

[834k3r]

2 hours ago, MadMax said:

Heh. Ya know how much mine was? 

• Summer-weight sport coat, 44L: $25
• Fabric & parts for ball pockets: $10
• Seamstress’ work: $45 

Yup, $80 does make ya look like $1M. 
🤑

[BlueClue]

5 hours ago, MadMax said:

Heh. Ya know how much mine was? 

• Summer-weight sport coat, 44L: $25
• Fabric & parts for ball pockets: $10
• Seamstress’ work: $45 

Yup, $80 does make ya look like $1M. 

I now have the sudden urge to go to Goodwill and buy a sport coat...

[Kevin_K]

6 hours ago, MadMax said:

I operate all across the continent, and thru all the varieties of temperature and conditions I’ve done PU for, I only ever wear a short-sleeved umpire shirt, a long-sleeved umpire shirt, or a plate coat. 

I shall never wear a jacket on plate. Ever. 

 

I'm with @MadMax

I have never worn a jacket on the dish. I never will.

I look at my plate coat as something that I have earned the right to wear based on the body of my work. Plate coats aren't for noobs, JV lifers (thanks @Richvee), or umpires who don't work on the craft continuously. 

My .02

YMMV

 

[Richvee]

Put me in the "never a jacket on the plate" crowd. 

If it's super cold, or wet and ugly, I'll layer up under a long sleeve shirt. Nice day but cold or chilly, it could be a plate coat, or long sleeves. It's got to be at least a decent game, on a decent field to bring out the plate coat. I'm not breaking out the plate coat on a sandlot, skinned infield, with two lower tier teams. 

[Marcus6]

20 hours ago, Richvee said:

Put me in the "never a jacket on the plate" crowd. 

Me too!

[boyinr]

On 5/23/2024 at 2:21 AM, BlueClue said:

I now have the sudden urge to go to Goodwill and buy a sport coat...

I guess that’s one way to ensure it fits.  The “no return policy” is what holds me back. 

[concertman1971]

I'm a "never wear a jacket on the plate" guy as well. I too wear a plate coat for 'big' games. I feel good in it. Just don't put your ball bags on with it!!

(OH ya, it is also the opportunity to flex my CC......)

[umpstu]

15 minutes ago, concertman1971 said:

I'm a "never wear a jacket on the plate" guy as well. I too wear a plate coat for 'big' games. I feel good in it. Just don't put your ball bags on with it!!

(OH ya, it is also the opportunity to flex my CC......)

And with a Carlucci underneath. Now that's a sharp dressed man.

[SeeingEyeDog]

@834k3r...Brother Beaks, once again...you have inspired me. I been giving a plate coat a serious look for several months now and I'm going to pull the trigger on one to get ready for next spring. The guys in my market who wear them always get compliments and there is no question a plate coat adds class and prestige to the proceedings as well as celebrates the tradition and heritage of both The Game and The Craft. And I agree a jacket on the plate is not the best look...

My tips from talking to my local guys about them...

1) Get your plate coat tailored. Whether you buy a purpose-built plate coat or go with the Franken-Coat like @MadMax described...get it tailored. (And I say that with utmost respect, Max. Plate coats are expensive and knowing you as we do, I have no doubt your crafted plate coat likely exceeds any purpose built plate coat out there in addition to having saved you some cash.)

2) Get you plate coat tailored while wearing your chest protector. You'll only ever wear it while wearing your CP so, get it tailored to that fit.

3) Goes without saying and I will say it anyway...take care of it! It's either on you or it's on a hanger...a suit coat hanger. It's dusty out there so, keep a horsehair brush and lint brush specifically for your plate coat and make sure you inspect it before use on game day and brush it up as needed. Dry clean only and remember to schedule that in such a way that you get it back before your next game. Don't be the guy who wads up their plate coat and then pulls it from the depths of your trunk and thinks it's ok to then wear it.

4) If your leagues/association allow, consider affixing your league or association patch logo to the breast pocket. Just adds that final touch of class, like the cherry on a sundae. There are several threads here on U-E about the use of velcro and mini-magnets to help you rotate patches as needed.

~Dawg

[The Man in Blue]

Can somebody explain to me why no shirt under the plate coat?  The chest protector/coat look bugs me . . . (I know I am wrong, but it bugs me.)

[boyinr]

3 hours ago, The Man in Blue said:

Can somebody explain to me why no shirt under the plate coat?  The chest protector/coat look bugs me . . . (I know I am wrong, but it bugs me.)

I don’t think you are wrong. My wife also doesn’t like the look of the CP under the coat. 

[MadMax]

11 hours ago, The Man in Blue said:

Can somebody explain to me why no shirt under the plate coat?

Because CeCe and Dan Parsons Sr. would make their CPs with plate coats in mind. Then you had lost treasures like this – 

Ain’t that a beyooooooty??! Honig’s was the MLBU Outfitter for several years, and during that time, they developed their “Pro” CP – 

This was encased in fabric for a reason – to look “clean” under a plate coat. 

This – 

 

and this –

 

… are what ruined the look!! 😫

[The Man in Blue]

SO . . . you are telling me that we need a lightweight but durable "t-shirt" made from the polo fabric (no, I would NOT advocate for wearing the polo under the jacket!) to go over the CP and under the jacket for a clean look . . .  🤔 

@DerekGDS needs more on his plate . . . 😁

 

[Marcus6]

14 hours ago, The Man in Blue said:

Can somebody explain to me why no shirt under the plate coat?  The chest protector/coat look bugs me . . . (I know I am wrong, but it bugs me.)

Many MLB and college guys have been wearing a shirt over their CP for a few years now (a lot but not all). I’ve been wearing a short sleeve mock over my CP when wearing a plate coat for high school and I like the look.

[DerekGDS]

@The Man in Blue Yes, the Davis BFX 14" Umpire Crop Top.

In all seriousness, I really dislike the look of the CP under the coat as well without something over it but we're focusing on the actual coat aspect first.

[Velho]

 

[The Man in Blue]

This is turning into an episode of Seinfeld . . . 

[SeeingEyeDog]

23 hours ago, The Man in Blue said:

Can somebody explain to me why no shirt under the plate coat?  The chest protector/coat look bugs me . . . (I know I am wrong, but it bugs me.)

Tradition, it seems...

I don't know that I've seen anyone on TV wearing a shirt between their CP and plate coat but, I've seen some local guys do that and I think it's fine. If you want to wear a shirt with your CP...wear a shirt. Mark me down for no shirt please...[shrug].

~Dawg

[The Man in Blue]

10 hours ago, SeeingEyeDog said:

Tradition, it seems...

I don't know that I've seen anyone on TV wearing a shirt between their CP and plate coat but, I've seen some local guys do that and I think it's fine. If you want to wear a shirt with your CP...wear a shirt. Mark me down for no shirt please...[shrug].

~Dawg

 

 

[BCBrad]

After many years at looking at the costs, I decided I had some mad money and bought a Honig’s plate coat. Unfortunately, living North of the 49th, the shipping, brokerage fees and sales taxes applied at the border made getting it in my wardrobe almost the price of the coat. 
 

It is not as thick as I thought and with the ventilating features, it is not as hot. If it got really cold (I am in the Pacific Northwest), I would just use a second layer underneath. 
 

While I can understand not wanting a yellow W ruining how sharp you look, I love the look of my race bird in the middle of mine.