How you look, brother Jimmy

he first thing you need to know about working the strike zone is to understand the people who have asked you to do the job. While you are doing the job, working the plate, they are the ones who will be the first to comment on your performance. How you look to them is important for two reasons

First, it will influence what they say about you. Second, it will help you decide whether you are satisfied with the job you are doing for them. If they aren't happy, you won't be happy. If you aren't happy, neither will they. While the reward for doing the job is in the act of doing the job, politicians and administrators still run the show. As an umpire, you work for them, too!

What kind of uniform do they want you to wear?

When I started out, the uniform was either black or navy blue pants with a white shirt and a black bow tie. Polyester fabrics were just becoming popular, so it was easy to wash my dirty pants in hot water and find they would still hold the crease. Not so with the white shirt. It had to be ironed.

Nowadays, amateur umpires are required to purchase heather gray pants, cheap material at a high price. Use cold water to wash them. Then drip dry them. Don't put any heat to them, water or ironing. This will keep the creases visible and straight. The material will not turn pink.

Continued...