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Equipment

The equipment an umpire wears, particularly when working the plate, definitely distinguishes him from others on the field. And while to a novice, his equipment may seem just like the catcher's equipment, there are vast differences. This section seeks to provide some information on equipment, plate equipment in particular, and give you some tips as to its purchase, upkeep, and use.

Keep in mind what your uniform and equipment is to accomplish. Yes, it is to provide some degree of safety and comfort, but it also makes a statement to the players and coaches. Look the part before the game! Look professional! Invest in yourself. Studies have shown that a first impression is a lasting one. Your game control begins before the pitch is thrown, it begins when you walk onto the field. When you watch the warm-ups, subconsciously you are making an assessment of the players. By the same token they are doing the same thing, they are assessing you.

But before we launch into the most obvious equipment worn by the plate umpire let's begin with some general equipment all umpires use, including the uniform. And while uniform styles may vary and may change from time to time the basic equipment remains much the same throughout the country.

Uniform Suppliers

The basic umpire uniform (heather gray slacks, navy blue pullover shirt, and dark blue/black cap) is actually made up of pretty common-looking items. And while these may be purchased at virtually any clothing or discount store, "official" umpire uniforms are available only from a supplier. These may usually be contacted locally, out of town by mail, telephone, or even on the web, and uniforms may be ordered either plain or modified to conform to local organization requirements (numbers, patches, etc.).

As with most umpires around the country, many SJUA umpires order their clothing and equipment from such out-of-town suppliers as +POS or Honig's Whistle Stop. Those two particular suppliers can usually be counted on to supply you with excellent uniforms and equipment, though you may wind up paying a bit more depending on what you purchase. I guess most people use such places more for equipment purchase than uniforms, though the choice is purely personal.

Slacks, Shirts and Jackets

The SJUA uniform requirements call for heather gray slacks, and not those funky double-knit or 100% cotton things! The shirt used for ALL baseball umpiring is a navy blue short-sleeved model. When cold out the long sleeve is acceptable.

The shirts must have the proper state insignia sewn on them in the proper position. For scholastic work (high school) this means numbers on the RIGHT sleeve, and the NJSIAA patch, which is worn on the LEFT sleeve, centered between the shoulder seam and lower hem.

We allow the use of a wind breaker for those days where there is a chill in the air. The windbreaker is to be navy blue long sleeve nylon windbreaker with cuffs at the sleeve ends, waist and collar. The cuff are red, white and blue. Uniform numbers are allowed for those who are varsity certified on the right sleeve, with the NJSIAA patch on the left. An optional American flag can be placed on the back. You can order the breaker with a lining for added warmth or a pocket on the front.

Additionally for the truly professional look on the cold days when you are working the plate, you can wear a Plate Coat. Basically, this is an over sized suit jacket in a navy color. The reason for the oversize is to make room for your chest protector. The Flechimer coat is the industry standard. The pockets fit the extra baseballs so you do not need your ball bag. People have used the coat on the bases with a pullover light blue turtle neck shirt.

Caps, Shoes, and Assorted Items

All caps must be dark blue/black, with no lettering or insignia. You may use the adjustable caps, but all umpires are encouraged to purchase and wear the fitted type of cap. It simply looks more professional, not to mention fitting better. You will need plate caps with short bill for wear under the face mask and base caps with longer bill for wear working the bases, or you may use the combination caps with medium bill, designed for both uses. How do you tell which bill is which? Simply count the number of stitches in the bill.

Shoes must be predominantly black in color and the only other color allowed is a manufacture's trim, usually white. DO NOT purchase steel or rubber cleats! They are extremely uncomfortable for umpire work, not to mention potentially dangerous! The shoes must be leather so they may be polished! You can now get patent leather shoes which do not need polishing. Beware though, they can be damaged or scuffed during play and will tend to show this a bit more than regular plate shoes. With the regular shoes, you can polish over the scuffed area, not so with patent leather. There are shoe treatments available as well for the regular leather that will make it look like patent leather. Follow the directions on the can and in most cases your shoes will really shine. This treatment should be done once every 2 years or so. Just be aware that some shoes will not take this treatment well.

You will need one pair of regular shoes for working the bases, and one pair with steel toes and extra padding and protection for working behind the plate. These plate shoes can only be purchased through an umpire equipment supplier unless you prefer to find a steel-toed work shoe at a local store. Just be sure it conforms to uniform requirements.

Due to the costs of both plate and base shoes, several equipment supply companies are marketing a "Convertible" shoe. That is by the addition of a metatarsal plate to protect the foot, they convert from a base shoe to a plate shoe. Advantages of the shoe is you have literally two shoes for the price of one, they are a bit lighter than the standard plate shoe and when doing a double header, they convert without taking them off. Disadvantages are they are a bit heavier than the standard base shoe,and the overall styling is not that great.

Belts must be black in color and wide enough to support a ball bag and balls. Socks must be black, and undershirts should be dark blue or black in color to conform to the rest of the uniform color scheme. As for "foul weather gear" there is an authorized official SJUA jacket of the National League pullover or snap front style. Turtle necks (dark blue or black), long underwear, compression shorts or pants, gloves (dark blue or black), etc. are all acceptable items, as are non-mirror lens style sunglasses when working the bases.

Face Mask

Umpire face masks are produced by numerous companies and all are acceptable and perfectly serviceable. The particular type, model, etc. you choose is up to you. However, some things you should take into consideration when selecting include:

Weight -- If you are smart you will wind up with a lightweight mask. Most manufacturers produce several styles and kinds as newer materials quickly do away with the old steel cages. These masks are much more comfortable and do an excellent job of protection.

Padding -- Your mask should have good padding around the frame and it should be removable for replacement of worn pads and cleaning. These pads come in several materials, from vinyl to doeskin to kangaroo, and the choice is up to you. Just make sure there is sufficient padding.

Frame -- You'll want what is called an "extended" frame on the mask. This means it will have extensions both in the area of the ears and the chin, providing some extra protection for those areas. Also, the mask should provide some throat protection. If the frame is not designed this way, a "dangling" throat protector should be added.

Harness -- You need as many adjustment points as possible on the mask harness. It must fit snugly but not too tight, and must be easily removed with only one hand, so the more adjustments the better.

Chest Protector

While umpire chest protectors vary from a cloth-covered piece of foam rubber to something closely resembling body armor, they all have some things in common. They have an adjustable harness, molded caps over the shoulders, extra padding in the neck area, and usually some extra protection for the upper arms. Of course, I'm talking about protectors worn under the uniform, which is required for all new SJUA umpires. The old "balloon" protector went out years ago and we now require use of the inside model for all umpires.

Umpire protectors are produced by numerous manufacturers in numerous models, and the choice is up to you. I only warn that you should make certain you are not working the plate in a game for older players using a protector designed for 12-year-olds! Those fastballs are a lot faster and when (notice I did not say if) you get hit that protector better be able to do its job!

Leg Guards

Remember, an umpire wears these beneath his slacks so don't purchase catcher's shin guards. They are much too bulky and will not fit under your slacks without causing a strain, making you virtually immobile, and probably splitting your slacks. They come in a myriad of styles but your choice should provide plenty of protection from the instep to above the knee.

Ball-Strike-Out Indicator

This is NOT called a "clicker" or anything but an indicator! This is the little device the umpire uses to keep track of just that...balls, strikes, and outs. Those are the only things an umpire cares about. He doesn't want to know the inning or the score, so that's all he needs. The styles and sizes vary so much it is impossible to describe them all here, and the choice is up to you. Just remember you will be holding it the entire game (in your left hand) and it must be comfortable, easily used without looking at it, and be sturdy enough to take some dirt and punishment.

Additional Items

This section could include almost anything I suppose. One that comes to mind is the ball bag, that little pouch that hangs on the umpire's belt to hold extra baseballs. You can obtain this at almost any sporting goods store, and they come in various sizes and styles for not much money. We may also include in this section such items as pen or pencil. You must keep track of lineup cards, changes, etc. and should come prepared to every game, especially if you're behind the plate. Likewise, if you wear reading glasses, please do so. It's no black mark against you, and you look like an idiot squinting to see the lineup cards! Likewise, the use of non-mirror lens sunglasses is approved when working the bases.

And last, but not least, is the protective cup. Whether you plan to use your personal equipment again or not, WEAR ONE! You won't regret it and it is part of your required equipment.

So there's your primer on umpire uniform and equipment. Choose wisely and well because these are the things that indicate your job and also, in many cases, how you approach that job. Looks mean a lot in umpiring, so your uniform should portray a person who is neat, clean, pressed, shined, and serious about the job. Your protective equipment is extremely important in that it will save you bumps, bruises, broken bones, and maybe your life.

An umpire's uniform and equipment speaks volumes about him long before his first call!