Quality umpire equipment is a vital part of most every level of organized baseball and softball. From Little League to the majors, calling balls and strikes takes a great deal of concentration and visual acuity, while feeling confident behind the plate can also become an important part of the equation. As every pitch counts, finding the right protective gear that provides seamless comfort can make all the difference when the game's on the line. Facemasks and chest protectors tell only half of the story; shin guards, elbow pads and steel-toed shoes are all necessary additions to baseball clothing lines designed to make umpire equipment both comfortable and durable.
When it comes to baseball supplies, Rawlings has been a trusted name brand for decades. They furnish a wide variety of gear suited for baseball and softball, including the Umpire 15.5 inch Interior Chest Protector. The UCPPRO's new design offers maximum sternum protection with shoulder caps and extra wide elastic adjustable back-straps for easier breathability. The polyurethane (PU) leather coating only adds to its toughness while making it a cinch to clean, even after repeated use. Both lightweight and durable, the UCPPRO has a reputation for being top-of-the-line umpire equipment.
Rawlings also carries a number of designs in pants with shirts to match. Taking baseball clothing to the next level, the Flare Relaxed Fit Pro Weight Baseball Pants with Pinstripes are made from 100 percent polyester with knitted pinstripes for a stylish look and comfortable fit. The front zipper-fly, belt loops and tie-down back pockets are tailored for complete convenience. Their Adult Umpire Shirt is a pullover polyester model that comes with a relaxed fit collar, three top buttons and a top left pocket. Providing a professional appearance while out on the diamond, Rawlings umpire equipment ranks second to none, and they also carry baseballs that are recommended for most baseball pitching machines.
The Wilson brand furnishes facemasks for both catchers and umps facing thousands of pitches while increasing the risk of getting clipped by bat follow-throughs. Wilson specializes in providing the ultimate safeguards in protective helmet gear with reinforced titanium and steel. The Wilson MLB Titanium Umpire Mask with Natural Tan Padding is known for its superior profile in design. The lightweight titanium frame speaks for itself, weighing in at just over 1 lb. while the wrap-around tan padding provides extra protection. The padding itself is also designed to keep things cool when the weather heats up, which is a great piece of umpire equipment to have on hand during those hot summer day-games. With well over a dozen makes and models to choose from, Wilson is also a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball gear.
Protecting the knees, shins and ankles is also a crucial aspect of umpiring. Diamond brand distributors stand behind their Umpire Shin Guards for those who stand behind the plate. Made from high density polyurethane, absorbing the impact of a dirt bouncing wild pitch is virtually painless; the floating inside cap pads move with every bend and stretch to reduce wear-and-tear on the cartilage areas. Also ahead of the game in quality umpire equipment, the Diamond USGs also come with extra foam padding at the ankles, overlapping the top of the shoes.
Steel-toed shoes are also an absolute must for home plate umpires. New Balance carries the Hard Toe Umpire Plate Shoe designed for umps from all leagues. Foul balls bouncing off the foot area can cause permanent damage to the ball-joints and the heels; the Hard Toe steel design works together with its ABZORB® protection mechanisms in the forefoot and heel to cushion the blow and help prevent serious injuries. The New Balance Hard Toes also have an aesthetic black flair, and a quick wipe-down will have them looking good as new. NB footwear plays a huge role in umpire equipment, and is the official plate shoe of MLB.
Although baseball supplies travel well beyond the scope of protective gear, the game couldn't be played successfully without all the necessary parts to ensure safety. Being an umpire in today's baseball environment involves a great deal of time and training to hone the craft by literally keeping an eye on the ball, not to mention attempting to stay out of harm's way. In the minors and the majors especially, having the necessary tools-day in and day out-can keep the game moving in a timely fashion. Quality umpire equipment is designed to do exactly that.
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