The Association no longer stocks gear for purchase. QBUA understands the cost of umpire protective equipment and clubs in Queensland have protective equipment for umpire use if you do not own this gear yourself. With that in mind, we encourage umpires who plan to umpire long term or for the Association to seek out equipment in this order of priority.
1. Pants
What to purchase: Umpire pants come in three different cuts – plate, base or combo. A combination pant can be worn with enough room to fit shin guards underneath without looking too ‘ballooned’ on the bases from the extra room afforded in a plate pant. Generally speaking there are two types of pants for purchase to wear in Australia and that is the charcoal grey polyester or poly-spandex. Polyester pants are cheaper and more readily available, whereas poly-spandex last longer, don’t crease as much and are cooler in hot conditions.
Where to purchase: Australian Baseball Umpires, Red Stitches, Amazon (local and intl), eBay (local and intl), Ump Attire (US), Purchase Officials (US).
2. Belt
What to purchase: A regular black belt to hold up your pants and ball bag on the plate is acceptable, but it may be worth investing in a 1 3/4 inch leather belt. Often these can be patent leather giving that ‘shiny’ look and more robust to hold the wait of a ball bag full of baseballs.
Where to purchase: Amazon (local and intl), eBay (local and intl), Ump Attire (US), Purchase Officials (US)
3. Ball Bag & Accessories
What to purchase: A black ball bag will have a pocket not only for baseballs, but for an indicator, plate brush and pen. All of these can be purchased locally for a decent price.
Where to purchase: Leading Edge (QLD), Ausport, Red Stitches, Amazon (local and intl), eBay (local and intl), Ump Attire (US), Purchase Officials (US).
4. Cap
What to purchase: A plain, black cap is acceptable, with the Australian Baseball Umpires cap being the official uniform if you are looking to umpire for the Association or interstate.
Where to purchase: Australian Baseball Umpires (official cap), Leading Edge (QLD), Ausport, Red Stitches, Amazon (local and intl), eBay (local and intl), Ump Attire (US), Purchase Officials (US).
5. Mask
What to purchase: This comes down to personal comfort, style and budget. A Force3 mask may be the top of the line heavy duty face mask, but is it overkill for umpiring Little League? All-Star, Easton, Force 3, Mizuno, Rawlings and Wilson all make great masks. If you have longer hair put up in a bun or ponytail, it may be worth looking at a ‘hockey style’ or ‘bucket’ mask, otherwise a traditional style mask is usually less cumbersome to umpire with. Accessories such as a throat guard or skull cap are optional.
Where to purchase: Leading Edge (QLD), Ausport, Red Stitches, Amazon (local and intl), eBay (local and intl), Ump Attire (US), Purchase Officials (US).
6. Plate Shoes
What to purchase: Plate shoes offer extra foot protection and comfort when calling balls and strikes. The consensus tends to be that New Balance is the best combination of comfort and quality. Mizuno also makes a good plate shoe, but tends to scuff a bit easier. 3n2 and Smitty both make a plate shoe for a cheaper cost, but the life of the shoe tends to be shorter.
Where to purchase: Red Stitches, Amazon (local and intl), eBay (local and intl), Ump Attire (US), Purchase Officials (US).
7. Undergarments
What to purchase: I cannot recommend enough for the Queensland summer investing in a dry-fit style of undershirt and compression leggings (particularly for the plate). This will prevent any friction with your protective gear, keep you cool and comfortable. If you want something for sun protection or keeping you a bit warmer in summer, a long sleeve undershirt is also an option.
Where to buy: Any sport clothing retail venue or online
8. Chest Protector & Shin Guards
What to purchase: Finally, you have just about everything you could possibly want when you get these. They are available as kits with some retailers or individual items. Diamond, Champro and All-Star all make good low profile, reasonably priced chest protectors, Proline & Diamond making larger profile reasonably priced chest protectors, with Wilson and Force3 making the top standard umpire chest protectors for higher level baseball. The same brands go for shin guards. Some sit above the knee, whereas others just cover the knee. The good thing about these is that they should just about last you a lifetime if you keep them stored correctly.
Where to purchase: Leading Edge (QLD), Ausport, Red Stitches, Amazon (local and intl), eBay (local and intl), Ump Attire (US), Purchase Officials (US).
If you are looking to reduce international shipping prices and not in a hurry – or wanting to buy/sell – you can contact us on secretary@qbua.org or post in the SEQ Baseball Umpire Community Hub.