Okay, so I’ve been umpiring little league games for a while now, and let me tell you, the uniform situation can be a bit… all over the place. I decided it was time to get my own proper gear, and stop relying on whatever the league had lying around. This is how I went about putting together my baseball referee uniform.
Figuring Out the Basics
First thing I did was try to get a grip on what’s actually required. It’s not like there’s a super strict dress code, at least at the levels I work, but you gotta look professional, right?
- Shirt: Most umpires I see wear a navy blue or a powder blue polo shirt. Sometimes black. I went with navy, seemed like a safe bet.
- Pants: Charcoal gray slacks. Definitely not jeans or cargo pants. Had to look crisp.
- Shoes: All black. Could be athletic shoes, as long as they’re completely black, no big logos.
- Belt: Black leather, gotta match the shoes.
- Hat: A plain black baseball cap. Sometimes with a little umpire “U” on it, but plain is fine.
Getting My Hands on the Gear
I started by checking out what I already owned. Found a decent pair of gray pants that would work, score! And I already had black shoes and a belt.
Then I went searching for the shirt. I saw some guys with those special umpire shirts with the pockets and everything,but at first I needed some simple shirts. I bought a couple of plain navy blue polo shirts, making sure they were a breathable material – it gets HOT out there.
The hat was easy. Found a simple black baseball cap, nothing fancy.
Putting It All Together
First time I wore the full getup, I felt way more official. It’s funny how clothes can do that. I made sure my shirt was tucked in, pants were clean, shoes were polished… the whole nine yards.
I learned pretty quickly that comfort is KEY. Those first few games, I was sweating like crazy. The breathable shirts helped, but I realized I might need to invest in some moisture-wicking undershirts for the really hot days.
Improvements and Tweaks
Later down the line, I found out the plate shoes and shin guards,Indictor and other small parts, and bought them to make myself more professional.
It’s a work in progress, this whole umpire uniform thing. But I’m feeling pretty good about where I’m at. Looking the part definitely makes a difference, both in how you feel and how the players and coaches see you. Now, I can show up and don’t have to think about the dress issue.
