Okay, so I’ve been umpiring little league for a few years now, and let me tell you, getting the right gear is a bigger deal than you might think. I figured it was time to upgrade my look, specifically aiming for that classic baseball referee uniform. I’ve been making do with some basic stuff, but I wanted the real deal.
Getting Started
First thing I did was hop online to see what I needed. I wasn’t totally sure what was officially required, you know? I found out a few core things:
- Shirt: Usually a powder blue or black, depending on the league.
- Pants: Charcoal gray, pleated or flat front.
- Shoes: All black, gotta be comfortable ’cause you’re on your feet a lot.
- Hat: Standard umpire hat, gotta have it.
- Belt: Black, gotta keep those pants up!
- Indicator: to record balls, strikes and outs.
- Plate brush: to clean the plate when It is needed.
- Ball bag: to put baseballs.
The Hunt Begins
I started hitting up some local sports stores. I found the shirts pretty easily. I grabbed a couple of powder blue ones – that seems to be the most common color around here. I even found a black one on clearance, score!
The pants were a little trickier. Finding the right shade of gray and making sure they fit well was important. I tried on a few pairs before I found some that felt good and looked sharp. They’re the pleated kind, which I think look a little more professional.
Shoe Struggle
The shoes, oh man, the shoes. I wanted something that looked the part but wouldn’t kill my feet after a double-header. Ended up going with some all-black athletic shoes. They don’t scream “umpire,” but they’re super comfortable, and that’s what matters most when I am working.
Finishing Touches
The hat was easy – standard black umpire cap. The belt, too, just a plain black one. nothing special.
After buying the indicator, plate brush, and ball bag, my preparation was completed.
Putting It All Together
The first time I wore the whole getup, I felt like a real pro. I got used to the uniform, I think it makes a difference. It’s not just about looking the part, but it also puts you in the right mindset to make the right calls. You gotta look sharp and feel confident, and a good uniform helps with that.
It was a good reminder that even in little league, taking pride in your appearance and having the right equipment can make a big difference in how you perform. I would say that it is a totally great expericence!
