Umpire Uniform Primer - Part 2: Equipment

This is the second in a two-art series that discusses the basic umpire uniform. The first article looked at clothing items that are essential for the amateur umpire; this second part discusses equipment.

Mask

Traditional masks are made from steel, aluminum, magnesium, or titanium, and can vary in price depending on the material used. Typically the least expensive mask is made from steel while the most expensive mask is made from titanium. All masks will bend when impacted with enough force.

Masks are available in single- or double-bar designs. Most umpires prefer the single bar design believing that it improves visibility. Some manufacturers are flattening the bars around the eye opening to improve vision. Most traditional masks weigh less than one and a half pounds, with the lightest weighing less than one pound. A lighter mask means less strain on your neck.

The average measurements for a traditional mask  is 10" long and 9" wide. The depth and curvature of the cage varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some advertise a "low profile" or "new view" design where the distance from the umpire's eye to the frame has been reduced. A low profile design increases the umpire's visibility, but lessens the likelihood of deflecting a foul ball (which means more energy is transferred to your head).

Umpire masks are sold with a harness and padding. The padding can be either cloth, vinyl or leather. Some cloth pads are comfortable, moisture wicking, and are antibacterial. Vinyl is generally uncomfortable. Leather is typically preferred by veteran umpires.

Recommended brands: All-Star, Diamond, Honig's, Wilson

 

Helmet

Hockey style helmets are styled after catcher helmets.  The main advantage of an HSH is the side protection which a traditional mask lacks. Umpires are at risk for side impacts from a batter's backswing or from turning the head.

Umpire helmets weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds and the cages are made of either steel or titanium. One Wilson mask is made with special shock absorbers that are attached to the cage. Helmet pads are made of either cloth or leather. As a general rule an umpire will not wear a hat under his helmet.

Recommended brands: All-Star, Diamond, Wilson

Throat Guard

Midwest Ump recommends the use of an attached throat guard, especially for beginner umpires. While most masks and helmets are made with a throat guard extension, this guard is not sufficient to protect the throat in cases of an improper stance or flinching. Throat guards come in sizes from 4" to 6-1/2" and are made of leather, hard plastic, or steel. A properly fitted throat guard is long enough to be forced against your chest protector when impacted by the ball.

Recommended brands: Champro, Wilson

Chest Protector

Umpire chest protectors are classified into two groups: soft shell and hard shell. Soft shell protectors use foam to absorb the impact of the ball. Some soft shell protectors also incorporate plastic plates embedded in the protector. Soft shell protectors are typically less expensive that hard shell protectors, but are not recommended for play above lower youth levels. For high school and above, Midwest Ump recommends using a hard shell protector.

Hard shell chest protectors are made with plastic plates over a foam cushion for comfort. The plastic plates deflect the impact of the ball and are very effective. Hard shell protectors come in various designs, the most effective being those that use large plates. Hard shell umpire chest protectors generally offer better clavicle protection over soft shell designs.

Recommended brands: Wilson

Leg Guards

Umpire leg guards are made of hard plastic with a cushioned lining. Because the leg guards are worn under the umpire pants, some manufacturers make umpire leg guards that are a lower profile design. Unlike the concerns with a low profile mask, the hard plastic plates disburse and deflect the impact the ball and is rarely felt by the umpire.

Umpire leg guards are "strapped on" like catcher's guards. Most are held in place by straps that attach by a metal j hook or a plastic connector. Because a plastic connector can be broken by a foul ball, metal is always preferred over plastic in umpire equipment. Strap placement is a matter of personal preference with some leg guards eliminating the strap behind the knee for comfort. Many umpire leg guards are sold with metatarsal guards. Midwest Ump recommends removing this guard and wearing plate shoes. 

Recommended brands: All-Star, Diamond, Honig's, Wilson

Ball Bag / Accessories

Two manufacturers, Force3 and Ump-Attire.com, sell umpire ball bags made with a waterproof lining. This is a very useful feature as the lining protects the baseballs and bag from contact with sweat from the umpire's uniform. Umpire ball bags are made of cloth and should lay flat, not bunched. Although available in several colors, black is always a safe bet. An umpire should use an indicator behind the plate. Indicators are sold in several configurations, but Strikes, balls, and Outs are essential. A good plate brush, pen, and lineup card are also essential umpire gear.

Recommended brands: Ump-Attire.com, Wilson

Umpire Uniform Primer - Part 1: Clothing

Today Midwest Ump starts a two-part series that discusses the basic umpire uniform. This first article looks at clothing items that are essential for the amateur umpire; the second part will discuss equipment.

Hat

To the casual observer the umpire's uniform seems simple enough: blue polo shirt, gray pants, black shoes. On closer inspection all of the clothing items have been altered or tailored to the umpire's needs. This is first discovered when you pick out a hat. Umpire hats are not only available in adjustable and fitted hat sizes, they are also made in different lengths. The lengths are described by the rows of stitching on the bill of the hat: 4, 6, or 8 stitch.

A 4 stitch hat has four rows of stitching and a 2" bill. This hat is used for plate work. The shorter bill makes it easier for the umpire to remove his mask without pulling the hat off. A 6 stitch hat has six rows of stitching and a 2.5" bill. This hat is called a "combo hat" because it can be used on the plate or on the bases. The shorter bill is more manageable for plate work and can also be used in the field. An 8 stitch hat has eight rows of stitching and a 2.75" bill. This hat is used in the field. The 8 stitch hat is just like a standard baseball hat.

Recommended brands: Richardson and New Era.

Shirt

An umpire shirt is cut larger to accommodate a chest protector. Many umpires use the same shirt for plate and base work, however some prefer to use a smaller size shirt on the bases and a larger size on the plate. Umpire shirts generally have piping along the collar and the sleeves. It is important to match your partner in color and shirt piping, so talk with your assigner and/or partner before your game to determine the correct shirt. There are nine common umpire shirt combinations, and new colors are constantly introduced to the market. Some associations require patches or a logo embroidered shirts, so be sure to ask.

Umpire shirts are made from a polyester mesh in either an open hole or closed hole design. As the name indicates, you can see through the open hole design which means the color of your chest protector or any writing will bleed through.

Recommended brands: Ump-Attire, Honig's, or Smitty. The Official's Choice is also a popular brand, but do your research before you buy.

Undershirt

The color of the undershirt also varies from area to area, association to association. The color of the undershirt is always a color on the shirt. However, some associations state that the undershirt is the last color of the shirt piping. White, black, and navy blue are the most common undershirt colors.

Recommended brands: Champion C9, Diamond Hotsport.

Jacket

Baseball is played in the summer sunshine, right? If you're lucky. Sometimes baseball is played in rain, wind, snow, hail, and sleet. When its cold or wet, a jacket is an essential piece of equipment. Like umpire shirts, umpire jackets are cut larger to fit a chest protector. The most common types are pull-over jackets that either tuck into your pants or have a ribbing at the bottom.

Recommended brands: Honig's, Smitty.

Pants

Umpire pants are available in three styles: base, plate or combo. Umpire pants are always hemmed straight, to prevent dirt from collecting in your cuff. Umpire pants also have larger belt loops to take an umpire belt (see below). Umpire pants come in two colors of gray: heather and charcoal. While the differences in heather gray is not very noticeable, charcoal gray can vary between manufacturers. It is important to know the color and brand used in your area. 

Base pants are not much different than a regular pair of dress pants. Plate pants are made with a wide leg for your leg guards, saddle stitching in the seat to prevent seam splitting, and reinforcements at the knee. Most umpire pants come with a double clasp and a grip material in the waistband to keep your shirt tucked. Combo pants are plate pants, only cut slimmer. The idea is that this slimmer cut can be used for both plate and base work. Some umpires find that they need the slimmer cut for plate work. While combo pants may look a little large on the bases, these pants could be a good option for a new umpire on a tight budget.

Recommended brands: Honig's, Smitty, Gerry Davis

Belt

An umpire's belt is black garrison belt, also used by law enforcement, fire, and postal workers. An umpire uses a garrison belt to support the weight of three or more baseballs in the ball bag. The belt is either 1-1/2" or 1-3/4" wide. If you choose a patent leather belt, make sure you also choose patent leather shoes.

Recommended brands: Postal Store

Socks

Black. Some manufacturers like Jim Evans and Thorlo make socks with a reinforced toe, heel and other padding to help eliminate plate shoe irritation.

Recommended brands: Jim Evans Force3

Underpants

Yes, really. Many umpires wear tights to protect their legs from leg guard irritation. The tights will also wick away perspiration and keep you comfortable. Other umpires elect to wear tall socks and compression shorts. McDavid makes a hex pad protector that doubles as a compression short and a little protection on your thigh.

Recommended brands: Nike, Under Armor, McDavid

Shoes

Most umpires use an athletic shoe with a turf sole on the bases. Solid black is preferred, but many manufactures incorporate a white logo, which is also permitted for use. I highly recommend umpire plate shoes. These shoes have either a steel or composite toe and a metatarsal guard. While many leg guards are sold with attached foot guards, these will not protect your entire foot (and they look silly on a plate umpire). Today's plate shoe is not as bulky, is comfortable, and is not much different than wearing an athletic shoe.

Recommended brands: Reebok, New Balance

In the next article I will discuss umpire equipment including chest protector, shin guards, cup, ball bag and contents, and optional accessories.

Beginner’s Guide to Umpire Equipment

Congratulations! You have decided to step onto the field and participate in the grand old game of baseball! For me, umpiring is more passion than pastime, more hobby than part-time job. You will have a great time and meet some really outstanding people along your way!

Below is a simplified guide to gear for a beginner. I have chosen three criteria to pick the best gear:

1. protection, considering the level of play (through junior high)
2. price
3. comfort

Wilson Dyna Lite Umpire Mask A3009x
The Wilson Dyna Lite face masks are made from hollow core steel and are time-tested. Several major league umpires wear Dyna Lite masks including Jim Reynolds and Brian Gorman. The A3009x comes with a soft and comfortable deerskin interior padding, and a man-made PE leather exterior for easy cleaning.

The Wilson Dyna Lite A3009x can be purchased through SoftballSavings.com for $44.95 (after a $10 discount, use this link) and $6.99 flat rate shipping.

Some regular readers may wonder why the Dyna Lite is recommended instead of the Diamond iX3 DFM-UMP, the 2010 UMPY Award Winner for face mask of the year. Recent testing has indicated that the Diamond mask, made of aircraft aluminum, is very rigid and absorbs less impact energy than other masks. The Wilson Dyna Lite is a little more protective, is priced a little lower than the Diamond, and comes with more comfortable pads. While the Diamond frame is universally beloved for its durability, light weight, and low cost; the Diamond padding is universally reviled. The padding will grab face stubble and is simply not as comfortable as other pads. Many umpires purchase the Diamond iX3 and then change the padding which increases the price substantially.

Champion Chest Protector P220/P210/P200
Champion recently changed the design of their hard shell umpire chest protector. The new protector has design flaws and cannot be recommended. However, the old Champion hard shell chest protector is terrific! The Champion weighs a very light 2 pounds, 13 ounces. It is 1.4” thick, an average thickness, so this CP does not appear overly bulky. The plate placement is well designed and this CP can be found at every level of amateur play – from little league to college.

The Champion comes in three lengths: 13” ((P220); 15” (P2120); and 17” (P200). I have the 13” model and it covers my longer torso ribcage just fine.

The Champion Hard Shell Chest protector is sold by betterbaseball.com for $35.00 (P220); $36.62 (P210); or $40.00 (P200), plus shipping. An incredible price for an under-appreciated hard shell chest protector!

Diamond Leg Guards DLG-UMPLITE150
If you can wear a 15” leg guard (measure from middle of knee to where your ankle meets your foot), the 15” Diamond Ump Lite leg guards are a great choice. Weighing a mere 13.5 ounces, these guards will protect adequately through high school. They are absolutely the most comfortable leg guards I have tested. I routinely wear these guards for high school and some college games.

The 15” Diamond DLG-UMPLITE150 can be purchased for $29.99 (plus shipping, save if you combine your order with the Champion CP above) through betterbaseball.com.

The 17” Diamond UmpLite guards have a gap at the knee, so if you need a longer guard, check out the Champro Pro Plus Leg Guards. They are a little more expensive, but are overall a terrific product and named 2010 UMPY Award winner for best leg guards.

Apparel Packages
There are a couple of deal combos for apparel that may be helpful. First, Gerry Davis (owned by Gerry Davis the MLB umpire) offers a combination package of Gerry Davis shirt, Richardson fitted cap, and Gerry Davis pants for $71.90. I recommend a 6 stitch cap that can be used on the bases or behind the plate, and a pair of charcoal gray combo pants (that can be used for base or plate work as a beginner). Of course, you should check with your local leagues concerning clothing and color restrictions before purchasing anything.

Gerry Davis also offers an umpire ball bag with indicator and brush for under $20, and save on shipping when you purchase at the same time.

By using the discount code MWUMP you can purchase a highly rated Smitty umpire shirt from Ump-Attire for $17.99, Smitty combo pants in heather or charcoal gray for less than $45.00, a Richardson 6 stitch hat for $12.00, and a bag/brush/indicator combo for $14.99.

Need a belt? Try a postal uniform store. For instance, at PostalUniform.com you can buy a 1.75” Garrison belt for under $11.50 and free shipping! This 9oz full grain leather belt comes with a nickel-plated zinc tongue buckle. The same belt can run you $18 with shipping extra at an on-line umpire retailer.

New Professional Umpire School at Vero Beach Sports Village

Amateur umpires aspiring to a job in professional baseball now have a third option for formal training. Minor League Baseball recently announced the formation of The Umpire School, a four week all-inclusive professional baseball umpire school at the Vero Beach Sports Village (VBSV) facility in Vero Beach, Florida. The Umpire School will conduct its inaugural class in January 2012.

According to Justin Klemm, Executive Director of the Professional Baseball Umpire Corp. (PBUC), "Creating this school is a natural extension of Minor League Baseball’s ongoing efforts to enhance umpire training and development." Klemm added, "PBUC Staff will be tabbed by VBSV to drive the curriculum, instruction, training and development portions of the school." MiLB Vero Beach, LLC owns and operates The Umpire School, and PBUC oversees the training and employment of umpires in the Minor League Baseball system throughout the United States and Canada. Both MiLB Vero Beach, LLC and PBUC are subsidiaries of Minor League Baseball.

The Umpire School is the only all-inclusive professional baseball umpire school and is state licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. Students at The Umpire School pay one price for housing, dining (3 meals a day, seven days a week), and instruction, all at one location with no hidden costs. The VBSV is a 67-acre complex previously used as the spring training venue for the Brooklyn and then Los Angeles Dodgers, and famously known as "Dodgertown." Minor League Baseball took over day-to-day operations in 2009 after the Dodgers relocated their spring training operations to Arizona.

While the focus of the school is to recruit, evaluate, and train umpires for the minor league system, The Umpire School is open to any umpire regardless of skill level or experience. Klemm says that students will be instructed "directly out of the PBUC Red Book, The Virtual Umpire Camp and the Official Baseball Rules. The PBUC Umpire Manual will be used to supplement our lesson plans. Our goal is to provide a professional umpire training program that optimizes the potential of each student and prepares them to meet the challenges of an umpiring profession regardless of their skill level or aspirations. We will continuously seek and implement new and improved training methods through the professional and amateur umpire community in order to maximize The Umpire School’s effectiveness."

Klemm advises professional umpire prospects "to be fully committed to the process and methods we employ to prepare our students to succeed." He says The Umpire School intends to use "situational training with the potential to implement live game experience into the curriculum."

Honor graduates from The Umpire School are sent on to the PBUC evaluation course, also held at the VBSV. There top students will compete against honor graduates from the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring and the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School for umpire jobs in minor league baseball. Klemm says there are no plans to increase the numbers of total students invited to the evaluation course. The evaluators at the PBUC evaluation course are the same instructors at The Umpire School.

Anyone interested in attending The Umpire School, a State of Florida licensed school, should log onto TheRightCall.net. The Umpire School can also be reached at 877-799-UMPS (8677), or by email at info@TheRightCall.net.

A Beginner’s Guide to Properly Fitted Umpire Gear

Protecting yourself as an umpire boils down to three things:

(1) using proper mechanics,
(2) selecting proper equipment, and
(3) wearing that equipment correctly.

Properly fitted gear can mean the difference between being protected and being hurt. As the old saying goes, "if you are not protected, the ball will find you!" Today’s article discusses three important umpire protective items, and how to wear these items correctly.

Mask
There are many “veteran” opinions on the best way to wear a traditional mask. Since this article is directed at the beginner umpire, advice directly from the manufacturer is a good place to start. Jacquie Rooney, a Product Manager at Wilson Sporting Goods, gives some great insight:

The forehead and jaw area of your face should make snug contact with the upper and lower pads, respectively, in order for the pads to properly cushion upon impact. The pads attached the mask should be also firm enough so that they do not “bottom out” with a hard hit. Proper contact is achieved by adjusting the top and two side straps on the mask harness. Ideally, the harness should wrap around the head in the same position as a comfortably fitting baseball cap. Some umpires also desire throat protection that extends beyond the frame of the mask. The throat guard should be attached so that it hangs below the mask and does not contact the body when the umpire is in the slot.

Many veteran umpires advocate wearing your traditional mask very loose. As a practical matter, a mask that is too loose may move and obstruct your vision. The mask may also move if you flinch at a pitch which could result in an otherwise avoidable injury. On the other hand, a mask that is too tight can transfer more of the foul ball’s energy directly to your head, which may cause a concussion. A properly adjusted mask will move or even spin when hit by a foul ball. This will help dissipate the energy of the ball impact. Your mask is too tight if you cannot take it off easily with one hand.

Throat protection is not only desirable, it is just plain smart. Baseball thrown at 95mph generates around 2400psi of force, more than enough to crush your windpipe, larynx, or trachea. That sounds like a bad day to me.

Chest Protector
A good chest protector provides collar bone protection. Collar bone (clavicle) injuries are an umpire’s nemesis. Not only do they hurt like heck, a broken clavicle can be a very serious injury. Good protection means both padding to absorb the impact and plastic plates to deflect the impact. Do not compromise your protection in this area!

Dave Pherin, Promotions Manager at Diamond Sports, provided information about how to select a properly sized chest protector. Chest protectors are sized by measuring the top of the protector’s throat guard area to the bottom of the protector’s padding. Chest protectors are sized by the inch and range from 11” to 20.” The chest protector must extend to protect your rib cage, so measuring yourself is easy. Take a measuring tape, hold it at your collar bone and measure to your last rib. Extend the tape if you want or require additional protection. Keep in mind that at some point the length of your CP will restrict your movement. Additionally, a longer CP will add weight and prevent heat from escaping.

Adjusting your CP is easy. All CPs have adjustable straps. The chest protector should be snug against your body to minimize sag. Once the CP sags, your collar bone is exposed. Some hard shell chest protectors are stiff and ill-fitting when initially purchased. But don't worry! After a few games the CP will conform to your body.

Leg Guards
Sizing leg guards are often a great mystery for umpires. Measuring is actually very easy. Jacquie Rooney from Wilson says,

Leg guards should move as little as possible while worn, and this is achieved by both the length of the guards as well as the straps in back. Measuring from the middle of the knee cap to the top of the foot will give a good indication of the right leg guard size, and the adjustment features on Wilson’s leg guards should do the rest of the job. Once the right length of leg guard is chosen, you can further adjust the positioning on the kneecap of the West Vest and Pro Platinum leg guards to ensure that the circular shaped pad rests directly on the kneecap. This, combined with the extra rib of padding that rests on the shin, will provide protection at the most vulnerable areas of the leg. Some umpires like to cross the leg straps in the back, and some like to position them straight across, but the key is to tighten them as snugly as possible, positioning the calf straps underneath the calf muscle for leverage. Some also choose to remove the knee straps altogether, because their pants provide sufficient bracing and the straps behind the knee can irritate over time. In fact, our Gerry Davis “Davishins” leg guards omit the knee strap for that very reason.

Notice how Jacquie snuck in some product plugs? Well, Wilson makes some excellent leg guards, so all is forgiven. Jacquie is also spot-on. Leg guards need to stay snug. When you are busting up the line to follow a runner to first, or covering a play at third, your leg guards need to stay in place.

Ankle coverage is also important. Remember the warning: "if you are not protected, the ball will find you!" Ankle flaps protect the ankle bone and do not hinder your mobility.

My many thanks to Jacquie Rooney of Wilson Sporting Goods and to Dave Pherrin of Diamond Sports for contributing to this article. Reviews of umpire products made by Wilson and Diamond can be found throughout the Midwest Ump site.

Quality Umpire Gear For Cheap

You want the best umpire gear? Well, the best costs. Many wannabe umpires are overwhelmed by the initial cost of new gear. However, somewhere between the best umpire gear and gear that is sub-par (or potentially dangerous) is a category of gear that is both affordable and acceptable.

Mask
Wilson not only makes some of the best umpire equipment available, it also makes a terrific low price mask with deer skin pads for around $50. The Wilson Dyna-Lite Umpire Mask is a 10” mask made of hollow core steel. Its weight with leather pads is 1.5 pounds. This mask comes with comfortable doe skin padding on the inside and tough vinyl on the outside. The Dyna Lite is tough, good-looking, and comfortable. It is available through CAT Sports for $54.95.

Chest Protector
The Champion Hard Shell Chest Protector is another under $50 bargain. The Champion compares favorably to the top of the line Wilson Platinum and Gold chest protectors that sell for three times the price. It is comfortable and is suitable for lower level games through high school. Amazon offers the Champion Hard Shell Chest Protector in 13”, 15”, and 17” lengths starting at $48.99 with free shipping. Midwest Ump review of the Champion CP is here.


Leg Guards
While many of my umpire brothers prefer larger leg guards, I prefer the look of a low profile leg guard like the Diamond DLG-UMP. I recommend and fully endorse the 15” version of this leg guard, but cannot recommend the 17” model as there is a gap below the knee. The Diamond 15” DLG UMP 150 leg guards are sold by Baseball Rampage for $29.99. Midwest Ump review of the Diamond DLG-UMP leg guards is here.

Shoes
I wore New Balance MU450MK plate shoes for two years and loved them. They are comfortable and supportive. Better than the Reebok Field Magistrate II? Well, no, but then you can’t buy the Field Magistrates for this outstanding price: New Balance MU450MK for $79.56 after applying a 20% discount code (“SCHOOL”) from ShoeBuy.com and receive free shipping!


Shirt/Pants/Hat Combo Pack
I am not a big fan of combo packs, but Gerry Davis offers a discount combination package that makes sense. The Gerry Davis Combo Pack #6 includes a Signature Series Shirt, Davis Umpire Pants, and a Richardson Wool Fitted Hat for $71.90. A new umpire who purchases the charcoal combo pants and 6 stitch hat will have a good-looking uniform suitable for lower-level base and plate work. Midwest Ump reviews of the pants and shirt can be found here and here.

Columbia College Offers Professional Certificate in Umpiring

Columbia College has a growing reputation as a progressive college. It is very active with military members, and in offering internet based college degrees. Now Columbia College has partnered with Major League Baseball to offer a professional certificate in umpiring, available to students on-line.

The certificate is offered through the Columbia College Education Department, and requires completion of 18 hours of college coursework including: COMM 203, Understanding Human Communication; PSYC 260, Introduction to Applied Psychology; SOCI 430, The Sociology of Sport; MTKG 480, Sports and Events Marketing; and SOCI 270, Minority Cultures and Relations. The final course is a three hour physical education class (PHED 499) at the MLB Umpire Camp (MLBUC) held each November in Compton, California.

Columbia College reports that the cost of the certificate is $4,500, which includes all coursework and MLBUC fees. Currently MLBUC tuition is $1,299 which includes a double-occupancy room at the Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport, manuals, breakfast, lunch, cap, T-shirt and transportation between the Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport and the MLBUC training facility. That would make the remaining 15 hours of classes around $213 per credit hour (which is actually cheaper than the published undergraduate tuition rate at Columbia College of $220 per credit hour).

For more information, visit the Columbia College website.

***UPDATE***

As of 4FEB10 the Columbia College website notes:

**At this time the certificate is available only to U.S. Marines stationed in Southern California.**

Umpire “Starter” Package

Most all equipment retailers offer a new umpire equipment package. Since its raining here, and I’m ignoring my day job for a few minutes, I’ve created a hypothetical new umpire “starter” package, and listed some internet links. Of course, you may be able to beat these prices or you may decide to substitute items depending on the level of competition. Finally, consider this list a suggested starting point and shop around!

Mask
I can’t see how a new umpire on a budget can go wrong with a Diamond DFM-UMP mask. Weighing right at one pound with pads and harness, this featherweight mask is strong and the company offers a great warranty. Available in black or silver. The quick-dry pads are an issue, however, and if you shave regularly you may want to consider changing to leather padding. Ump-Attire currently sells this mask for $69.99.

The Wilson Chrome Moliben is an alternate choice, comes with leather pads, and weighs 23 ounces with pads and harness. It is a low-profile design which offers greater visibility, but many have suggested that the flatter low-profile design may increase your chances of suffering a concussion. Joe West sells this mask for $58.99.

Chest Protector

Don't mess around, buy a hard shell protector. The best protectors are made by Wilson (the West Vest Gold and the Platinum). However, for our new umpire on a budget, the Champion Hard Shell Chest Protector is cheap and offers decent protection. The Champion is available in three different sizes: 13" (P220), 15" (P210) , 17" (P200). Sport About Equipment offers the Champion at prices ranging from $38.95 to $44.95.

Shin Guards

CCM Referee SG100 Shin Guards. Comfortable, cool and low profile under your umpire pants. $39.99 from Hockey Giant in 14", 15" or 16" sizes.

The above items can be had for less than $155.00 plus shipping. Of course, shipping costs may vary greatly, so consider that cost in your purchase decision. A weekend of umpiring can pay for the equipment on this list. Not bad for getting you on the field in gear that is actually comfortable and useful.

And remember, this is just one umpire's opinion!

How To Become An Umpire

To begin your umpire career, start when there is snow on the ground. Most associations have their rules and mechanics clinics well before the season begins. The first thing to do is to contact the Umpire in Charge, or UIC, of your local youth league. An internet search of Little League, USSSA, Dixie Youth, Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken, and AAU in your area is a good starting point, as is calling your local parks and recreation department. The earlier you contact the UIC, the better. Ask for information regarding uniform shirt color(s), hats, pants color, fees, and the date and time of any rules/mechanics meetings. Additionally, many leagues will pay their umpires' annual fee for the national association membership, so ask about it.

Attend as many of these rules/mechanics meetings as you can with as many leagues as you can. I recommend joining as many leagues and associations as possible. Even if you end up declining games, you will have more opportunities to work and will receive a broader initial training.

Read the rulebook. The Rules of Major League Baseball is a great place to start. I also highly recommend studying the PBUC Umpire Manual. This manual contains interpretations, clarifications, general practices, and rulings endorsed by Minor League Baseball and the Professional Baseball Umpire Corp. It is provided as a supplement to the Official Baseball Playing Rules which govern all games in Minor League Baseball.

In addition to a basic understanding of the rules, you must have a specific knowledge of the rules of your association. Get a rulebook for your association. Fortunately, most rulebooks are available online for free download.

If you have any ambition in continuing into higher levels, you may want to join a local umpire's association and high school sports association.

Where Should I Buy My Equipment?

On line. Without question.

But remember, as my momma told me: you'd better shop around. The most popular sites are not always the cheapest. As a general rule big box stores like Dicks and Sports Authority are more expensive. And always look for Free Shipping!!!

Here are a few sites to get you started:
1. Amazon. I usually find my best deals through Amazon. Usually great shipping deals.
2. Ump-Attire. Free shipping on orders over $250.
3. Jim Evans. Hard to find items.

How Can I Study?

Start with the MLB Rule Book.

Then read the Professional Baseball Umpire Corp Umpire Manual.

Read these two publications cover to cover and you will be LIGHT YEARS ahead of your peers.

So How Much Can I Make?

As a general rule the pay for umpires is very uniform. A new umpire and an experienced umpire both working the same game are usually paid the same rate. However, occasionally larger organizations (e.g. a youth league) will pay umpires of different experience at different rates.

As you might expect, umpire pay varies around the country. What an umpire receives working a 12u game in Southern California may be different than what an umpire receives for a 12u game in Maine. Generally youth leagues will pay between $15 and $50 per game, per umpire. High school is typically $50 - $75 per 7 inning game, per umpire. Tournaments are paid at a different rate. Typically a youth umpire can make between $200 and $400 for a weekend’s work. Couple that with weekday work (2 games x 3 nights a week) and a beginning umpire can easily make an extra $500/wk working part-time. Taxes are usually not withheld and the umpire is given a 1099 at the end of the year.

I know a 17 year old umpire in the Midwest who works for a competitive youth softball league. He is dependable, hard-working, and has a great attitude. The league has a 75 minute time limit on their games. This young man works Monday thru Friday, two games a night. he does not work Saturday or Sunday. His pay rate is $25 per game, so he takes home $250 per week for 17.5 hours of work (5:30-9:00). That's an hourly rate of $14.28! Sure beats the $7.50 an hour his buddies are making at the Piggly Wiggly.

How to Begin, II

Most umpires begin in the youth leagues. You may think you can jump right in and umpire pro games 'cause you are a hot-shot ball player and caught at the DI level and still are real good at slow pitch softball and can tell every time when the umpire blows a call on tv.

You'd be wrong.

Umpire mechanics take a while to learn. The basics are not very complicated, but they are hard (read impossible) to master. Most of what umpires do is reactionary and is developed over time. Do you really want to show your inexperience in front of your home town high school coach?

Start with little kids and get the experience you need. Call your local youth league and ask to speak with the Umpire In Charge, or UIC. Most league UICs will conduct umpire training before the season begins - generally February-early April. It will cover basic field and plate mechanics and may discuss basic rules. It is up to you to study on your own and learn.

Attend as many of these training sessions as you can with as many leagues as you can. Even if you end up declining games, you will have more opportunities to work and will receive a broader initial training.

Your UIC will tell you if you need to join a national or local association. If you have any ambition in continuing into higher levels, you may want to join a local umpire's association. The youth UIC can point you in the right direction.

How to Begin

First, read the rule book.

Second, read the rule book.

Third, read the rule book.

Seriously, if you want to umpire, read the rule book.

Recommended Gear for the Beginner to Intermediate Umpire

A "working" umpire lives out of his vehicle during the season. Consequently it is important to have the necessary tools and equipment in your vehicle so you can perform your job. Here is what I keep in my bag and in my vehicle:

1. Briefcase - I have an old hardshell briefcase that I keep in my vehicle that contains pens, paper, association cards, illegal bat lists, and RULE BOOKS.
2. Shirts and Pants - Instead of worrying about keeping up with uniform for the day, I keep all my (clean and laundered) shirts and pants hanging in my vehicle throughout the week. I use a suit bag to keep my clothing clean. While shirt colors differ with associations, I generally carry red, navy, light blue, and black. Some of my shirts have velcro patches to accomodate the different associations. My shirts and pants are Honig's. I have been very pleased with Honig's quality.
3. Hats - this is personal preference. I carry three navy hats: an eight stitch fitted Richardson cap for the field and I rotate two six stitch fitted Richardson caps for behind the plate. I keep my hats in hat caddies. I also have different association hats that I carry.
4. Equipment bag. I use an hockey bag. Its big and stores all of my gear. It also has two side compartments for shoes, etc.
5. Shoes - I carry New Balance 450 plate shoes. They are comfortable and light. I also wear black New Balance shoes in the field.
6. Socks - I use Thorlo's Plate Shoe Socks. They have extra padding and absorb sweat. I have never had an issue with my feet and swear by these socks.
7. Belt - I carry two black leather belts.
8. Ball bag - I wear one ball bag when I umpire, but I carry a spare with me. Each ball bag has a cheap 4 wheel indicator, plate brush, and lineup holder.
9. Shoe shine kit - Black shoe polish and a brush.
10. Small sewing kit - a couple bucks from Walmart for emergencies (they arise more often than you'd think!)
11. Lawn chair - most amateur fields do not have a room for umpires. A lawn chair and piece of carpet to stand on makes life much easier when you have to change from your vehicle.
12. Cooler - I like to stock a small cooler with ice, soda, and water.
13. Bat ring - for softball I like to have a bat ring available.
14. Leatherman tool - pliers, screwdriver, etc. for emergency repairs.
15. Sunglasses - go cheap!
16. Mask - I like the traditional mask. I use Diamond DFM-UMP. Although lately I have been considering a hockey style mask.
17. Chest protector - I use a Wilson West Vest Platinum.
18. Shin guards - I use Diamond shin guards, but I am convinced that I could strap just about any hard plastic to my legs and be ok.
19. Date book - to check availability. I pick up a lot of games at the ball field from other umpires, assigners, UICs, school administrators, coaches, etc.
20. Extra shoelaces.
21. Extra shin guard strap.
22. Timer - most youth games have a time limit. the bigger the display, the better. And make sure it has a clip to hang from the fence and an alarm loud enough to be heard from the plate.
23. First aid kit - a small first aid kit with pain reliever, bandages, etc.
24. Sun block
25. Bug spray
26. A comb and deoderant.
27. Undershirts - Under Armour makes fantastic undershirts (Heat Gear and Cold Gear). Spend the extra money and buy these shirts. A long sleeve Cold Gear shirt is good for under your jacket.
28. Change of underwear - trust me, change your underwear and feel refreshed.
29. Plate jacket - I like the tuck-in style.
30. Gloves - sometimes it gets cold.
31. Hood - sometimes it gets really cold. I have a black Under Armour hood.
32. Tape measure - coaches love to question distance.
33. Disposable camera.