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Plate Coats


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3 hours ago, BCBrad said:

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. 

The state of commerce between Canada and the USA is atrocious. The amount of restrictions and superfluous inflations is borderline criminal and corrupt; it’d be criminal if it wasn’t the very lawmakers profiting from it. 

It’s a piece of clothing, for s#!t’s sake! 

3 hours ago, BCBrad said:

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. 

:clap:
… until you work in a league that is… exclusively… sponsored or licensed to a different logo. :censored:

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3 hours ago, MadMax said:

The state of commerce between Canada and the USA is atrocious. The amount of restrictions and superfluous inflations is borderline criminal and corrupt; it’d be criminal if it wasn’t the very lawmakers profiting from it. 

I have family in Western New York, less than an hour from the Canadian border. Whenever we are there and we visit one of the local shopping malls you will see clothing tags littering the mall parking lots...hundreds...all across the lot. It has been explained to me that this is because people living in Canada will come down with empty suitcases, make their clothing buys at US stores, remove the tags in the parking lot and then pack their suitcases full of clothes as if they had just brought them over the border on their "trip". Not a sermon...just a comment...

To Max's point. Canada is not just the US's neighbor...they've been about amongst the best neighbors any country has ever had...the state of commerce is indeed atrocious.

~Dawg 

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On 5/25/2024 at 7:32 PM, 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......)

IMG_20240330_090421.jpg

I wear a shirt over mine but I’m all for this look 🔥 

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There are 6 features that should be built into every production* (Honig's, GDS, Fechheimer, etc.) and bespoke (homebuilt, like mine) plate coat that gives you the most amount of value and use of it:

  1. Velcro (loop (soft) side) landing pad on the right sleeve for the placement of numbers. 
    I use my plate coat across several levels, leagues, and events. Some (eg. NJCAA, AZ HS) do not allow numbers. Others (the league I work for) require numbers. So I can take off or put on my number (6) to suit. And, I am not bashful about loaning my plate coat to a colleague, especially since it absolutely sells the look. I have several numbers with velcro (hook side) on them, so I can always put a number on it to at least not conflict with the other crew members. That velcro landing pad is 3" high x 4.25" wide. 
  2. Velcro landing pad on the yoke (center back, up by the collar). 
    This is to place a national flag, if desired or required. I have the US Flag (white border) for my own use, but I also have the US Flag (yellow border) for military veterans, US Flag (blue border) for LEOs, a monochrome (black) US Flag for use on military observance days (when I'm wearing it), a Canada flag, a USA/Canada split-flag (because some of the leagues I work for cross into Canada), 
  3. Color-correlated (black or navy) landing pad for league / conference / association logo-patch.
    Left chest, so that you can easily stitch / tack / pin / adhere / magnet -attach the corresponding logo patch of the entity you are calling the game for. 
  4. Bellowed ball pockets. 
    They should be a robust fabric, heavy enough to maintain shape when balls are inserted; Should be able to carry 2-3 balls each. 
  5. Name tape and/or inner pocket to hold an AirTag or Tile. 
  6. Box Split, instead of Center Split
    For best fit of the plate coat, it should have a box split – meaning a split on the bottom hem on each hip – instead of a center split. 
     

* - There is a producer of plate coats I left off the list on purpose; until events are apologized and rectified, I will not endorse or recommend any of their products. 

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3 hours ago, MadMax said:

They should be a robust fabric, heavy enough to maintain shape when balls are inserted; Should be able to carry 2-3 balls each. 

Any preferences on interior pockets in the pockets?

3 hours ago, MadMax said:

* - There is a producer of plate coats I left off the list on purpose; until events are apologized and rectified, I will not endorse or recommend any of their products. 

This is totally 100% precautionary.
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3 hours ago, DerekGDS said:

Any preferences on interior pockets in the pockets

The seamstress that made the pockets for my plate coat got creative and included interior pockets in each larger pocket… with zippers. 
I keep the right one closed, and in there is kept gum, chapstick, etc. The left one is open, and holds the plate brush. 

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18 hours ago, MadMax said:

There are 6 features that should be built into every production* (Honig's, GDS, Fechheimer, etc.) and bespoke (homebuilt, like mine) plate coat that gives you the most amount of value and use of it:

  1. Velcro (loop (soft) side) landing pad on the right sleeve for the placement of numbers. 
    I use my plate coat across several levels, leagues, and events. Some (eg. NJCAA, AZ HS) do not allow numbers. Others (the league I work for) require numbers. So I can take off or put on my number (6) to suit. And, I am not bashful about loaning my plate coat to a colleague, especially since it absolutely sells the look. I have several numbers with velcro (hook side) on them, so I can always put a number on it to at least not conflict with the other crew members. That velcro landing pad is 3" high x 4.25" wide. 
  2. Velcro landing pad on the yoke (center back, up by the collar). 
    This is to place a national flag, if desired or required. I have the US Flag (white border) for my own use, but I also have the US Flag (yellow border) for military veterans, US Flag (blue border) for LEOs, a monochrome (black) US Flag for use on military observance days (when I'm wearing it), a Canada flag, a USA/Canada split-flag (because some of the leagues I work for cross into Canada), 
  3. Color-correlated (black or navy) landing pad for league / conference / association logo-patch.
    Left chest, so that you can easily stitch / tack / pin / adhere / magnet -attach the corresponding logo patch of the entity you are calling the game for. 
  4. Bellowed ball pockets. 
    They should be a robust fabric, heavy enough to maintain shape when balls are inserted; Should be able to carry 2-3 balls each. 
  5. Name tape and/or inner pocket to hold an AirTag or Tile. 
  6. Box Split, instead of Center Split
    For best fit of the plate coat, it should have a box split – meaning a split on the bottom hem on each hip – instead of a center split. 
     

* - There is a producer of plate coats I left off the list on purpose; until events are apologized and rectified, I will not endorse or recommend any of their products. 

giphy-downsized-large.gif

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10 hours ago, concertman1971 said:

 

AHHHHH the ol' "plate brush has no pocket in the plate coat" conundrum 

There are plenty of pockets in (on?) my plate coat!

  • My plate brush goes in the interior left pocket so I can reach it with my right hand as I hold my mask with my left.
  • My UmpLife lineup holder goes in the interior right pocket.
  • My pen is clipped on the left breast pocket 
  • 3-4 balls in each exterior pocket.
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4 minutes ago, Thatsnotyou said:

Is the Fech worth the difference in cost?

Since we've manufactured with Fech in the past, my guess is it is simply more because you're two steps away from the factory v. one. While they're manufacturing quality is generally very good, that is my assumption.

I know a few folks with OWO that do like theirs.

We aren't rolling ours out until later this year but it will be in the $300-$450 range depending on options as each one will be made to order.

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I only personally know of one guy with an OWO plate coat... and he is willing to sell it... cheap.  And this guy knows his stuff as he works for a large sporting goods retailer. 

I've seen the Honig's and they're nice and the Fech stuff is always very good too, so I'm sure they're worth more for a good reason (better quality).  I'm sure that the Fech is probably the Cadillac of the plate coats though, so that's why it's more. 

I like what I'm seeing from GDS lately in terms of new products & innovation, so will be interesting to see how their plate coat turns out.

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Those old Fechheimer plate coats that were readily stocked off the rack at a lot of places (late 90s/early 2000s) were incredible.  Im sure these are quite good as they are used by MLB and MiLB.  Id never touch an OWC coat but would check out a Honig's if I could return it or saw one in person first.  Id buy one of the latest Fechheimers sight unseen.

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3 hours ago, wolfe_man said:

I like what I'm seeing from GDS lately in terms of new products & innovation, so will be interesting to see how their plate coat turns out.

Thank you. The basic product is very similar to the MLB coats. 100% Polyester, heavier weight, high denier fabric but the consumer will have a choice when it comes to the lining color (within a range of options), embellishments and possibly some pocket design options. Sizing will be standardized but the option to provide custom measurements from your tailor will be offered so it would be 100% made to spec.

Of course Max had to jump in and provide logical recommendations so now we're looking at multiple fabric options to accommodate the warmer climates.

I know that a barrier to purchasing something so expensive is getting your hands on it so we'll probably have a sample program. Pay a deposit, get a sample in your hands and return it for a full refund minus the shipping. The shipping costs will turn into a store credit. Still figuring that out but it seemed like a fair offering.

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1 hour ago, DerekGDS said:

Thank you. The basic product is very similar to the MLB coats. 100% Polyester, heavier weight, high denier fabric but the consumer will have a choice when it comes to the lining color (within a range of options), embellishments and possibly some pocket design options. Sizing will be standardized but the option to provide custom measurements from your tailor will be offered so it would be 100% made to spec.

Of course Max had to jump in and provide logical recommendations so now we're looking at multiple fabric options to accommodate the warmer climates.

I know that a barrier to purchasing something so expensive is getting your hands on it so we'll probably have a sample program. Pay a deposit, get a sample in your hands and return it for a full refund minus the shipping. The shipping costs will turn into a store credit. Still figuring that out but it seemed like a fair offering.

giphy.gif

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17 hours ago, DerekGDS said:

I know that a barrier to purchasing something so expensive is getting your hands on it so we'll probably have a sample program. Pay a deposit, get a sample in your hands and return it for a full refund minus the shipping. The shipping costs will turn into a store credit. Still figuring that out but it seemed like a fair offering.

This is a great idea.

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  • 3 months later...

@MadMax, I am going to try the Franken-Coat route. I'm off to my local men's shops later this week to see what's out there that might work...

For the ball bags...can I just provide my tailor with existing bags which I have cut the belt loops off of? Or is it best to give him dimensions for the bags, including some depth for the width of the baseballs and interior pockets and let him craft those custom?

Any other advice on bringing this all together for the best result?

~Dawg

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8 hours ago, SeeingEyeDog said:

@MadMax, I am going to try the Franken-Coat route. I'm off to my local men's shops later this week to see what's out there that might work...

For the ball bags...can I just provide my tailor with existing bags which I have cut the belt loops off of? Or is it best to give him dimensions for the bags, including some depth for the width of the baseballs and interior pockets and let him craft those custom?

Any other advice on bringing this all together for the best result?

~Dawg

Not a plate coat guy, but, I always thought terry cloth or fur lined pockets would help during rainy days. Maybe a small pocket to stow a 'hand warmer' and provide a little warmth to the area and help dry the moisture... come to think of it, you would also need a pocket to place your beef jerky too....

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2 hours ago, BLWizzRanger said:

Not a plate coat guy, but, I always thought terry cloth or fur lined pockets would help during rainy days. Maybe a small pocket to stow a 'hand warmer' and provide a little warmth to the area and help dry the moisture... come to think of it, you would also need a pocket to place your beef jerky too....

It's all about the beef jerky, brother...

~Dawg

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13 hours ago, SeeingEyeDog said:

I'm off to my local men's shops later this week to see what's out there that might work...

Three things to keep in mind: 

  1. A “summer weight” sportcoat will serve you better than a heavier, 3-4-season one. You won’t need the insulation, trust me. 
  2. A box split (split at each hip) instead of a center split is what you’re after. 
  3. If it’s a used/recycled sportcoat, then by all means, go with your “real” size. You won’t need to size up to accommodate the CP. If there are shoulder pads, get them removed. 
13 hours ago, SeeingEyeDog said:

For the ball bags...can I just provide my tailor with existing bags which I have cut the belt loops off of? Or is it best to give him dimensions for the bags, including some depth for the width of the baseballs and interior pockets and let him craft those custom?

Either approach is valid. If you’re going to provide existing ball bags, do not cut off the belt loops; instead, explain to him/her that they’re not needed, but he/she may need to lap the fabric for a better, more robust seam, and it’s always prudent to have more material than come up short. 

In my case, I took the coat with me to JoAnn Fabrics, and found two fabrics that were similar enough to the original to complement the coat. My seamstress actually above & beyond, and on her own, installed zipper-topped pockets within the main ball-bag pocket. Each ball pocket holds 4 baseballs, but I typically do no more than 3 each. 

My lineup holder / folder goes into my inner torso pocket, my plate brush goes in the left ball pocket, in the zippered inner packet, and I put my league patches on the chest pocket via magnets 🧲. I went two steps further, as mentioned above, by stitching on Velcro loop landing pads on the center yoke (for flags) and the right sleeve (for numbers). 

Good luck, have fun! 

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I used a Fecheimer plate coat. However, that was before they sold for over $400.

I used it for over 20 years and it held up very well.  Took it in a couple of times for dry cleaning.  I would highly recommend getting a plate coat rather than a standard suit jacket because the plate coat will have larger, reinforced pockets for baseballs.

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