Midwest Ump Turns Fashion Police

The first requirement of the umpire's uniform is that it is, well, uniform. Like those fellas at the left, uniforms should match. Good job matching guys!

After that first requirement has been met, some associations or leagues require the umpire to dress in a certain uniform. The basic umpire uniform always includes black shoes and a black belt. The uniform is also comprised of a hat, a shirt, pants, and a ball bag for the plate umpire. Pants are ordinarily a shade of gray, either charcoal or heather, however some groups wear navy.

Some of us less fashion aware umpires struggle with color combinations. To help with questions about matching your hat to your shirt to your ball bag, Midwest Ump has pulled some photos of umpires wearing different uniform color combinations. We all have our personal preferences, but hopefully these photos will help give you an idea on how these colors work (or perhaps do not work) together. Click on the pictures below for a more detailed view:

[Left] Black hat, black shirt, black ball bags is today's classic professional umpire uniform [Right] Black hat, polo blue shirt, black ball bags is another professional umpire uniform standard

[Left] Navy hat, navy shirt, gray ball bags [Right] Black hat, navy shirt, black ball bags

[Left] Navy hat, navy jackey, navy ball bags [Right] Black hat, navy jacket, gray ball bags

[Left] Navy hat, powder blue shirt, navy ball bags [Right] Black hat, powder blue shirt, black ball bags

[Left] Navy hat, red shirt, navy ball bags [Right] Black hat, cream shirt

[Left] Navy hat, powder blue shirt, gray ball bags [Right] Black hat, gray shirt

Review of Ump-Attire.com XL Ultimate Umpire Ball Bag

A few weeks ago Ump-Attire.com introduced its XL Ultimate Umpire Ball Bag. Ump-Attire.com owner, Jim Kirk, wrote about the development of this new product on his blog, Officially Un-Official.

I must say that I was somewhat (*yawn*) underwhelmed by the announcement. I use two Ultimate Umpire Ball Bags on the field for every game. They are solid, reliable, and in 2009 received an UMPY Award for Accessory of the Year. I mean, if it's not broke, why mess with it?

Ump-Attire sent me a navy blue XL Ultimate Umpire Ball Bag in the mail (Jim, don't you know that black goes with everything?). It sat in its wrapper for a couple weeks until I broke it out today to take a look. Here is what I discovered:

Just the Facts

Ultimate on top, XL on bottom

What you know is the bag is bigger. The XL is 1-1/4 inch wider than the Ultimate. The belt loops have been redesigned. The loops are 3/8 of an inch wider. The belt loop opening is 1/2 inch wider and tapered to prevent bunching. The lengths of the XL and the Ultimate are the same: 13-1/4 inches.

What you don't know is what has changed inside the bag. A continuous layer of nylon is used throughout the interior. This is a big improvement as now the entire interior is waterproof. The added nylon also gives the XL a stiffer feel, and helps the bag lay flat.

The interior pockets have been redesigned. The large pocket on the XL is 1/8 inch slimmer than the Ultimate. The smaller pocket has been reduced 3/8 inch. The pen pocket is 1/4 inch slimmer and 1/4 inch shallower than the Ultimate.

XL Ultimate Umpire Ball Bag

Commentary

The adjustments to the interior pockets was a surprise. I do like that the pen pocket is now 1/4 shallower, so the pocket no longer completely swallows my ink pen. The other adjustments are not welcomed. I keep my brush, lineup card holder, pen, and indicator inside my two ball bags. While everything still fits inside the XL, the narrower pockets makes it harder to access items. It is confusing why these pockets were narrowed when the bag was widened.

Ultimate Umpire Ball bag

The XL can easily hold six baseballs. I placed three baseball inside the XL and three baseballs inside the Ultimate for comparison. At first the difference between the two bags was negligible (see pictures). I was expecting the taper at the belt loop to prevent bunching on the XL, but what I found after testing was that the extra width of the belt loop actually increased bunching more than the Ultimate. Additionally, the opening on the XL sagged more than the Ultimate. The fit around the Ultimate's belt loop is tighter and the overall appearance of the Ultimate was simply better than the XL.

Fair or Foul?

While I do not prefer the XL over the Ultimate Umpire Ball Bag, my call on the Ump-Attire.com XL Ultimate Umpire Ball Bag is FAIR. The fully lined nylon interior and stiffer/flatter design are terrific improvements, and I personally prefer the shallower pen pocket. I hope these features are soon offered in both the Ultimate and the XL Ultimate. The XL also tends to sag and bunch more than the Ultimate. However, when compared to other ball bags on the market, the XL is an outstanding choice.

As a final note, the increased sagging at the opening of the XL may be inevitable. The cloth/nylon fabric will sag against the weight of the baseballs, so the umpire trades a larger bag for greater sag. The bunching around the belt loop may be avoided by decreasing the size of the loop opening.

Review of the Dry-Lo Umpire Ball Bag

Over the past few months Jason Klein at Jim Evans Academy has offered to send the newly redesigned Dry-Lo Umpire Ball Bag for review. To tell the truth, I wasn’t anxious to review this product. When testing the Dry-Lo in 2009, the seams unraveled on me and the overall quality was lacking. Nevertheless, I agreed to review it and prepared myself to disappoint Jason.

Well, the redesigned Dry-Lo Ball Bag has reminded me that it is a cardinal sin for an umpire to anticipate a call. The new Dry-Lo Ball Bag is without a doubt better in quality and design than its predecessor.

New Size
The new Dry-Lo Ball Bag from Jim Evans is bigger than the previous model. It is .75” wider at the belt loop and ball opening, .5” longer top to bottom, and has a more tapered configuration. The right inside pocket is also .25” wider than before. Below are the dimensions for the redesigned Dry-Lo Umpire Ball Bag.

Top Opening Width	11.75
Bottom Width	12.25
Ball Compartment Length	9.25
Total Length	13.25
From Belt Loop	3.5
Belt Loop Opening	3.0
Left Inside Width	4.25
Left Inside Length	4.75
Right Inside Width	4.5
Right Inside Length	4.75
Pen Pocket Width	2.0
Pen Pocket Length	4.75

New Design
The Dry-Lo has increased the taper angle of the bag. The tapered design is used to keep baseballs in the bag while running. This bag can accommodate three baseballs side-by-side with room to spare (the previous Dry-Lo design would accommodate three baseballs side-by-side, but the fit was snug). I wear two ball bags while working the plate and keep my plate brush in the right front pocket. The previous design of the Dry-Lo made it difficult to remove my plate brush, but this redesigned bag solves the problem by widening the pocket by a quarter inch.

The Dry-Lo is made of two pieces of study polyester. Polyester is a moisture wicking material, and the Dry-Lo places a waterproof nylon liner between the bag and your pant leg. The purpose of this liner is to prevent sweat from your leg from wicking through the bag to the baseballs.

New Construction
One of the most significant changes in the Dry-Lo is the change from a single “running stitch” (a single stitch going in a straight line) to a zigzag stitch throughout the bag. The zigzag stitch offers more flexibility allowing the polyester seam to stretch and move without breaking. This is a large design improvement.

Price
The Dry-Lo Umpire Ball Bag is available in either Black or Navy, with or without inside pockets, and sells for $16.95 at the following on-line retailers.

Honig's for $16.95
Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring for $16.95
ABUA Online Store for $16.95
Force3 Pro Gear Store for $16.95

A discount is offered at Jim Evan’s site: buy one at $16.95 and the second is available for $12.00 more.

***EXCLUSIVE OFFER***

Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring has authorized a discount for readers of Midwest Ump: Two Dry-Low Umpire Ball bags (any color or style) for only $25! This discount expires 10/31/2010. Use this link and enter the coupon code c30caf at checkout.

Bottom Line
The newly redesigned Dry-Lo Umpire Ball Bag has been a pleasant surprise. I like the larger bag and the stronger zigzag stitching. At less than $30.00 for two bags (through Jim Evans’ site), the Dry-Lo is a outstanding balance of price and quality. The Dry-Lo Umpire Ball bag is an excellent choice when considering a ball bag purchase.

Long Term Test Results

The summer season is winding down and school is starting soon. . . so now is a good time to do a long-term evaluation of gear. Today’s post reviews gear from last year’s U.M.P.Y Award winners.

Champro PRO-PLUS Gold Super-Xtreme Lightweight Face Mask

I began using the Champro magnesium face mask in May, 2009 and fell in love immediately. It is incredibly light (less than a pound!!!) and very comfortable after switching out the standard pads.

The Champro is also surprisingly durable. I have taken several shots to this mask from different angles and it did not shown a scratch, until. . .one particularly vicious foul ball during a college game hit the Champro mask and caused the upper eye bar to bend. I contacted Champro regarding its warranty. Champro is a solid company that is committed to customer service. I learned that Champro has a one year warranty from the date of purchase that covers product defects. However, foul balls are part of the game and bending from a serious force is expected. Given enough force any mask will bend (but hopefully not break).


Wilson Shock FX 2.0 Titanium Umpire Helmet (Product of the Year)

The Shock FX 2.0 was introduced in late 2009. It contains many safety features and is comfortable. However, I do not wear a helmet while working the plate, so I can’t speak first-hand regarding safety or durability.

Ump-Attire Ultimate Umpire Shirt

Jim Kirk sent me a navy blue Ump-Attire Ultimate Umpire Shirt to test and I have used it for two high school seasons. After several hundred washes it looks good as new and I intend to use it again next spring. As I expected during my initial testing, the Ultimate breathes well and is well constructed. I highly recommend this shirt.

Honig’s Poly Wool Umpire Pants

I wore the same Honig’s Poly Wool umpire plate pants and base pants to every college and high school game I officiated this year. These pants have seen 30 degree ice and 100+ degree sun. The Poly Wool pants do not seem to suffer from the same fading problems of previous Honig’s models.

Despite the label directions, I wash my Poly Wools in cold water after every wear. They are also dried on a permanent press cycle. I have been careful not to over-dry these pants, and there has been no sign of shrinking or unraveling.


Nutty Buddy

The Nutty Buddy is an essential piece of equipment.

Umpires are fond of telling the “took one to the jewels” stories. Hey, I think these stories are funny like the next guy, but you know what? I don’t have a story because I wear the Nutty Buddy. When I do get hit (it happens to us all), it is not serious – heck, it isn’t even uncomfortable! I hope Mark Littell makes a billion dollars from the Nutty Buddy because it is truly incredible.

I have worn the Nutty Buddy for two seasons. It has retained its shape and has not cracked or dented. It is not hot to wear and is comfortable even under extreme conditions. I put it on and forget about it.


Ump-Attire Ultimate Ball Bag

The Ump-Attire Ultimate Pro Style Umpire Ball Bag was introduced in 2009 and has been a big hit with umpires. Jim Kirk at Ump-Attire sent me one to review in March, 2009, and I purchased a second bag a little later to replace the Dry-Lo Ball Bag sold by Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring.

I have been very impressed with the Ultimate Ball Bag which boasts double stitching and a nylon interior. I have washed these bags a number of times in cold water and low heat dry cycle. There is no fading, no unraveling or fraying, and the Ultimate Ball Bag looks as good as new a year and a half later.


Wilson DaviShins Leg Guards / Diamond DLG-LITE Featherweight Shin Guards

I stopped using the Wilson DaviShins after testing the Diamond Featherweight Shin Guards. The Diamonds guards weigh a mere 13.5 ounces! While these guards are light and comfortable, I have experienced two issues with these guards worth noting. First, during an 18U summer “prospects” tournament I took a foul ball directly on the knee cap. The impact hurt, but was not disabling. My opinion is that the result of this impact was a little more serious than I have experienced with other shin guards. This is likely a result of the loose-fit design around the knee.

The second issue also involves the loose-fit design at the knee. I typically wear long compression shorts that cover my knee cap. However, whenever I do not wear a covering on my knee, the shin guard rubs at my knee and is irritating in the 90+ degree heat.


Wilson West Vest Platinum Chest Protector

I have worn my Wilson Platinum chest protector for three years. This protector scored best in my “amateur scientist” drop test and I can attest to its protective qualities. It is built like a tank.

After three years and hundreds of games, the buckles are starting to rust. I spray my Platinum CP with Lysol after every use and it does not seem to retain odor.


Reebok Field Magistrate Plate Shoes

I get more questions about my Reebok plate shoes than any other equipment. I was a big fan of the New Balance MU450MK plate shoes until I tried the Reebok. This shoe is very comfortable and has proven very durable. It has not separated in any area from use. I have not experienced an impact that is noteworthy. Unlike the Reebok, a few years ago I took a foul ball off the toe of my New Balance MU450MK plate shoes and it hurt!

I use Scrubbing Bubbles and Armour All leather wipes before every game and my shoes look good. I have been wearing these shoes for over a year for every plate assignment and they are still going strong!


Bottom Line

All of the choices for last year’s U.M.P.Y Awards have proven very durable. There were a few noteworthy observations, but overall I have been very impressed with these products.

Ultimate Ball Bag versus Dry-Lo Ball Bag

Today’s post looks at two exceptional ball bags: The Ultimate Ball Bag from Ump-Attire and the Dry-Lo Ball Bag sold by Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring. Click on the images for a closer look at the front, rear, and inside of the bags.

Ultimate Ball Bag
Price: $17.95
Dimensions: H: 12 ¾” Bottom: 10 ¾” Top 10 ¾”
Pocket Depth: 5 ½”
Pocket Width: 3 ½”, 4 ½” and one pencil pocket
Large Zippered Rear Pocket: H: 9 ¾” W: 8 ¾”

The Ultimate Ball Bag is not tapered. The Ump-Attire website states that the Ultimate Ball Bag is “Handmade by Amish craftsmen in Kentucky, U.S.A.” How cool is that? The bag is made from twill fabric with a nylon interior on the pant side to prevent the transfer of moisture. Most seams are double stitched where you need it most.

Dry-Lo Ball Bag
Price: $14.95 (two for $24.95)
Dimensions: H: 12 ¾” Bottom:12” Top: 11 ¼”
Pocket Depth: 5”
Pocket Width: 4”, 4” and one pencil pocket

The Dry-Lo Ball Bag is slightly tapered and made from 100% polyester fabric. The back side is made from a different polyester fabric and is water resistant. The entire bag is single stitched and “is bonded with a special high strength glue under more than a ton of pressure” according to the Jim Evan’s website.

Impressions
These are both great quality bags. The Ultimate Ball Bag is slightly smaller than the Dry-Lo Ball Bag and the Dry-Lo is slightly tapered. Does it matter? I really can’t say because I’ve only used tapered ball bags in the past (most recently from Honig’s). I have never had a problem with losing baseballs.

My plate brush fit snugly in both 4” pockets of the Dry-Lo bag, but it was accommodated better in the 4 1/2” Ultimate Ball Bag pocket. My plate brush would not fit in the Ultimate’s 3 ½” pocket, so the brush goes either right-hand front or left-hand rear on the second bag. I also did not like the deeper pen pocket in the Ultimate. I grabbed five pens out of my desk drawer and all of them were 5 ½” or shorter. I absolutely hate fishing for a pen in my ball bag. That is really a small complaint and easily overcome (longer pen, stuff the pocket, etc.), but it is something that I recognized, so I’ll pass along the observation.

The Ultimate Ball Bag has a rear zippered pocket and the Dry-Lo does not. However, the water resistant fabric is not between your leg and the bag, so paper could potentially get wet by rain or perspiration. I also wonder what I would put in there. . . a rule book? Old School Mattel Electronics Baseball? Tic Tacs?


Which is better? Both are super. The Ultimate appears better made, although I prefer the features of the Dry-Lo (two 4” wide pockets, waterproof shell between my pant leg and the bag, tapered design). I guess the bottom line is that, for me, it is a coin-flip.

***FIELD TEST RESULTS - DRY-LO***

I have used the Dry-Lo exclusively for the past few weeks and will be using the Ultimate exclusively for the next few weeks. My experience with the Dry-Lo has been less-than-positive:

1. the corners curl outward when holding balls;

2. the single stitching on one of the belt loops has began pulling away and unraveling after only a few games; and

3. the inside pockets are too narrow and I find it difficult to remove my plate brush.

As I said, I will be field testing the Ultimate over the next few weeks and then I will post my "field test" impressions of the Ultimate.

***FIELD TEST RESULTS - ULTIMATE***

O.K. I have field tested the Ultimate during several games and now conclude it is absolutely superior to the Dry-Lo. Honestly, I still have not found a use for the zipper compartment, but it is nice to know it is there if needed. The untapered design does not seem to be an issue and baseballs stay in place. I especially like the increased size of the inside pocket for my plate brush for easy access. I worked in rain last night and the baseballs remained dry in the bag.

The Ultimate Ball Bag from Ump-Attire looks good, is durable, and keeps contents dry. The highest praise I can give this bag is that I don't think about it at all while working the plate. It is dependable and functions flawlessly - like a great piece of gear should.