Lid and Mask Dilemma

[adieste]

Please forgive this dumb question, but I can't seem to keep my cap on my head when taking off my mask, short bill or long bill. I've tried adjusting and readjusting my straps with no luck. I don't want my mask so loose that it will drop down and obscure my vision. Any tips? Thanks!

[mturman]

Please forgive this dumb question, but I can't seem to keep my cap on my head when taking off my mask, short bill or long bill. I've tried adjusting and readjusting my straps with no luck. I don't want my mask so loose that it will drop down and obscure my vision. Any tips? Thanks!

I struggled with that when I first started calling games...

I had to make a few adjustments to both my hat and mask...I use an adjustable hat to make sure it fits snigly on my head...And then I had to practice the process of pulling it off correctly so as not to pull my hat off...Yes, there is a proper way:p...It takes some effort and time but you will eventually get it...

Aloha,
Mike

[cajunyankee]

You'll feel foolish, but practice it....

Head home, tell everyone you need some alone time, and then practice putting your mask on, and then getting it off without pulling the hat with it.

The key is to get the muscle memory down so that when in the game, you're concentrating on the play/call rather than on your hat/mask situation.

Good luck.

[mturman]

You'll feel foolish, but practice it....

Head home, tell everyone you need some alone time, and then practice putting your mask on, and then getting it off without pulling the hat with it.

The key is to get the muscle memory down so that when in the game, you're concentrating on the play/call rather than on your hat/mask situation.

Good luck.

Definitely agree...And whenever I remove my harness to wash it or replace it, I make the move several times again just to be sure it's adjusted right...When we work a field with multiple diamonds you will literally see us all in the parking lot (we park close to one another) practicing this one simple move...

You never want your hat over your eyes during play...Bad things happen...

Aloha,
Mike

[cajunyankee]

I probably won't practice in the parking lot, or anywhere else that might allow someone to see me practicing, but that's just me.

I prefer to work the kinks out in private and then once I emerge into the light, I am, of course.....perfect!

Not really, but you get the point.

Practice this, your plate stance, your out/safe mechanics, etc.

The more polished you look on the field, the better.

[mcmahm34]

Pull out away from your face and then up and away from your face in one quick movement. Like the others said...practice it and you'll get it. I'll do it a few times before the first game of the year and then its like riding a bike. Being the OCD freak that I am, I also try to get my mask back on quickly in one swift movement without having to adjust it for the next play/pitch....lol

[cajunyankee]

Pull out away from your face and then up and away from your face in one quick movement. Like the others said...practice it and you'll get it. I'll do it a few times before the first game of the year and then its like riding a bike. Being the OCD freak that I am, I also try to get my mask back on quickly in one swift movement without having to adjust it for the next play/pitch....lol

I do that too! I want the mask back on in one easy motion. I don't like how it looks when a PU has to adjust his mask after every time he puts it back on.

Just the OCD in me for sure.

[mturman]

I do that too! I want the mask back on in one easy motion. I don't like how it looks when a PU has to adjust his mask after every time he puts it back on.

Just the OCD in me for sure.

I know what you mean...When it's really muggy my hat starts slipping a little lower so the occassional adjustment needs to be made...But I prefer it slightly more loose than tight so it can still explode off of my face if I get hit...I need that safety measure in place too and don't mid the adjustment for the safety...

That being said, I often wonder abou using a hard shell skull cap...I recall seeing a visiting Japanese umpire (they came with a travelling Japanese team for some good will games)...He was using skull cap and it (like the cather's was) was typical in all ways except, on the back of the shell was a slight bump that allowed the harness of the mask to catch on it easily when putting it on...Looked pretty nice...

Aloha,
Mike

[bobjenkins]

Also make sure that the back of the harness isn't too low. It goes nearly around the crown of your head and certainly not at or below the hat brim.

[mcmahm34]

I know what you mean...When it's really muggy my hat starts slipping a little lower so the occassional adjustment needs to be made...But I prefer it slightly more loose than tight so it can still explode off of my face if I get hit...I need that safety measure in place too and don't mid the adjustment for the safety...

That being said, I often wonder abou using a hard shell skull cap...I recall seeing a visiting Japanese umpire (they came with a travelling Japanese team for some good will games)...He was using skull cap and it (like the cather's was) was typical in all ways except, on the back of the shell was a slight bump that allowed the harness of the mask to catch on it easily when putting it on...Looked pretty nice...

Aloha,
Mike

If you are looking for safety, why not go to the hockey style mask? I don't use it but some guys rave about it.

The most important part of the mask in terms of safety is the pads. I'd encourage anyone to not go cheap on the pads. It will make all the difference in those bell ringers that come off the mask. I still have the old carbon POS+ mask...It's light and I love it. But I changed the pads to the Wilson Doeskin pads a couple years ago. I've got hit a few times and I got rung just recently in a JUCO game and didn't feel a thing.

[mturman]

If you are looking for safety, why not go to the hockey style mask? I don't use it but some guys rave about it.

The most important part of the mask in terms of safety is the pads. I'd encourage anyone to not go cheap on the pads. It will make all the difference in those bell ringers that come off the mask. I still have the old carbon POS+ mask...It's light and I love it. But I changed the pads to the Wilson Doeskin pads a couple years ago. I've got hit a few times and I got rung just recently in a JUCO game and didn't feel a thing.

Tried the hocky mask for less than one season...Nver felt good in it...I like being able to remove my mask and have gotten proficient with it...But the safety issue is important...Some guys wear their mask so tight that it will not release properly if they are hit...Mine works fine...

Plus, most guys I see wearing the hocky mask don't wear hats (for obvious reasons)...I prefer wearing a hat:) Just a preference...

Aloha,
Mike

[KenGibes]

Also check to see if the mask is adjusted properly. It should not be tight against your chin. With your mask on, if you lean forward and look down as if you are brushing the plate your mask should fall a little away from your chin.

If your mask is too tight on the chin, then removing it without pulling your hat out of place may be impossible.

BTW - the mask is supposed to be a little loose on the chin as a matter of safety, not just so you can clear the hat brim when taking the mask off.

[denimvest]

In addition to everything that's been posted and with which I concur – especially the part about making sure your mask is not too tight, I would suggest a tighter cap. It sounds like your cap might be too loose.

For plate caps, I use the Richardson flex-fits. I've read a few disparaging comments about flex-fit caps on here, but I really have no idea why. Maybe those who have knocked flex-fits have seen cheaper brands and not the Richardsons. I'm pretty fastidious about my appearance and don't like anything that looks cheap or chintzy. These caps are extremely well made and no one can tell the difference between it and a regular fitted cap, even up close. The Richardson looks exactly like a fitted wool cap.

The big benefit of the flex-fit is that it fits tight on your head without squeezing it uncomfortably like a too-small wool cap would. They don't shrink over time like a wool cap. I highly recommend them.

LINK (http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=P43&Category_Code=UMPIRE-BASE-CAPS&Product_Count=2) to one example. Other sizes on the same site.

[mturman]

We use Richardson pretty much exclusively as an association...My preference is the flex fit for the bases and the adjustable for the plate...If for any reason the sweat gets to be too much of an issue, I can tighten it one notch without giving myself a headache:razz:

Aloha,
Mike

[Tim_C]

I will be nice, I will be nice, I will be nice:

That being said:

When you get a new mask move the connections to the OUTSIDE of the extended ears of the mask.

Make sure that if you look down at the ground the chin area of your mask moves away from you chin.

Pull mask away from your face and "spin the hinge" (the strap connections) that are now on the outside of the ears.

Do all this quickly with great confidence.

"If you are looking for safety, why not go to the hockey style mask?"

Because the documentation from MiLB Umpire surveys show that concussions are inflicted more often and they are more severe when where an HSM.

T

[mturman]

I will be nice, I will be nice, I will be nice:

That being said:

When you get a new mask move the connections to the OUTSIDE of the extended ears of the mask.

Make sure that if you look down at the ground the chin area of your mask moves away from you chin.

Pull mask away from your face and "spin the hinge" (the strap connections) that are now on the outside of the ears.

Do all this quickly with great confidence.

"Nicely" said Tim:DBecause the documentation from MiLB Umpire surveys show that concussions are inflicted more often and they are more severe when where an HSM.

T

"Nicely" said Tim...:-D

Aloha,
Mike

[smithma89]

Because the documentation from MiLB Umpire surveys show that concussions are inflicted more often and they are more severe when where an HSM.

T

Tim; Curious about the data on HSM concussions. I went to HSM two years ago and really like it.

[mcmahm34]

Tim; Curious about the data on HSM concussions. I went to HSM two years ago and really like it.

Yes, it would be interesting to see the data on this stuff. Is it just a survey or is there medical documentation to back it up?

I wear the traditional mask but alot of guys swear by the safety aspect of the hockey mask. I zero plans to switch to it but still makes for interesting conversation with those that have the hockey style.

[yawetag]

We use Richardson pretty much exclusively as an association...My preference is the flex fit for the bases and the adjustable for the plate...If for any reason the sweat gets to be too much of an issue, I can tighten it one notch without giving myself a headache:razz:

Aloha,
Mike

Mike, you wear an adjustable cap as an umpire on a baseball field?

[mturman]

Mike, you wear an adjustable cap as an umpire on a baseball field?

Yes...I / we do...Our Association offers a choice of the two to our members when placing an order...

Aloha,
Mike

P.S. As for the HSM, I recall reading something along these lines and will see if I can recover the article...As I recall, the primary reason, at that time, was that the mask was unable to be dislodged from the face / head when struck and thus transferred more impact to the neck / head...But major changes have been made to reduce this...I'll see what I can dig out...

[kyle_jt]

A proper, snug fitting cap is key.

Make sure your pads aren't hooking up with the bill of your hat somewhere. I had that same problem with that flat-as-a-pancake SUL.

Replace that SUL ASAP. It was nice, back in the day, but I got clocked but good (in a 10 year old game, no less), and got a concussion. Don't mess with your noggin, or what's in it. There are masks on the market just as light, with a ton more visibility and protection.

Out and up is great to master first. Get that down 100%, then try the rip to the left. A perfectly mated hat, mask and head are needed, though. I wear nothing by 8 stitch, and have little trouble with keeping my hat on when everything is dailed in.

Make sure you're hair is cut short, too, hippy. That slop in extra hair will cause the hat to come off.

Part of the problem with the HSM is that the sound wave is trapped inside the bucket a LOT more than an open mask. It rattles your head more, and messes with your hearing a lot more, too. Not good. Plus, the forehead padding has been neglected on the buckets, too. The new All Star is getting closer, though.

[scrounge]

Along the lines of 'stuff I saw but can't find a reference', I recall seeing one of the engineers from All-Star earlier this year talking about how the idea that a traditional mask spinning and saving you from the ball force is a bit of an old wives' tale. There's some merit to it but in most cases, the force has already been transferred to your head by the time the mask spins. There's some attenuation but not nearly what people believe.

Personally, I'll wear a mask on occasion when there's a large backstop area, but not when there's a close or overhanging fence. I've never been hit but my son did get hit in the back of the head by a rebounding foul ball (fortunately he wears an HSM). I've also had a hit that never would have been stopped by a mask. Last year, a batter leaned back on a high and inside pitch. He had the bat right across his chest, and the ball hit the bat and immediately recoiled right into my right ear hole. Again, fortunately, that was an HSM day. Stuff happens.

[heyblue26]

The proper procedures for putting on the mask and also removing the mask if you have the JE Maximizing the Two-Umpire system manual it is found on on pages 2-3 in the "Glossary of Terms"

[Richard_Siegel]

Please forgive this dumb question, but I can't seem to keep my cap on my head when taking off my mask, short bill or long bill. I've tried adjusting and readjusting my straps with no luck. I don't want my mask so loose that it will drop down and obscure my vision. Any tips? Thanks!

I am late to the party, But the method I am going to explain will work 100% off the time. Follow the instructions and it will always work.

The key is #1) your cap must be well fitted. It doesn't have to be snug, but it should not be so loose that you can rotate it left or right on your head more than a 1/4 inch in either direction . Then #2) the straps of the harness must be fairly loose. A good way to tell if they are loose enough is to put the mask on your head without a cap on. The mask should slide down and the upper padding will come to rest on your nose. Now you have it right! Once you put the cap back on the mask will rest on the bill of the cap and stay where you want it. It is weird to many guys to have the mask harness so loose, especially if you played catcher (as I and many umpires have done). Catchers need a tight harness because they make quick snap movements and need to keep their masks in place. However, umpires (if they have good machanics) keep perfectly still and don't move a muscle when they wear the mask to see the pitch. Once the ball is hit we take the mask off. So a looser fit of the mask works well for umpires.

When you remove the mask, grab the mask with your left hand between the chin and the cheek and rotate the mask up keeping the upper pad against you forehead until the mask is flat level with the ground, then lift it away from your head. If you keep the upper pad to your forehead then you hat can never come off. Do not look down when removing the mask. You will snag your bill on the mask and loose sight of the ball.

[bobjenkins]

adjustable for the plate...


If your association allows it, that's fine (I guess), but in most areas you'd be branded a smitty. So the OP should check with his local area.

[mturman]

If your association allows it, that's fine (I guess), but in most areas you'd be branded a smitty. So the OP should check with his local area.

You gotta' remember, we are in Hawaii, on an island...Our group is the only group for all intensive purposes...Not much oversight beyond our association...

Aloha,
Mike

[Richard_Siegel]

I see these new "Flex" hats being sold for umpires. I tried one on. They look exactly like fitted hats but there's elastic across the back inside the material so it works like an expandable hat. They come in two sizes Small/medium and Large/Extra Large. One of these days when I need a new hat I'm going to pick one up.

[mturman]

I see these new "Flex" hats being sold for umpires. I tried one on. They look exactly like fitted hats but there's elastic across the back inside the material so it works like an expandable hat. They come in two sizes Small/medium and Large/Extra Large. One of these days when I need a new hat I'm going to pick one up.

Rich,

I use them quite a lot but have noticed that on the muggy days, for those of us that perspire a little heavier, they slip down the forehead under the weight of the mask too much...For me at least...I love them on the bases because they do feel a little more loose and thus, cooler...But I can't use them on the plate without getting them sized too small...Which results in headaches:oops: I stick with the adjustable for the plate...

Aloha,
Mike

[linedrive15]

I just started umpiring this spring and in my second scrimmage my hat seemed to get caught once when I was trying to get my mask off. To make sure it didn't happen, I did exactly what some of the others suggested, when no one was around I would go into my living room and just time after time pull my mask off and put it back on as I would in a regular game to where it became second nature to pull it forward just far enough before I pulled up so that it cleared my hat. Do it enough and it will become second nature.

[heyblue26]

I just started umpiring this spring and in my second scrimmage my hat seemed to get caught once when I was trying to get my mask off. To make sure it didn't happen, I did exactly what some of the others suggested, when no one was around I would go into my living room and just time after time pull my mask off and put it back on as I would in a regular game to where it became second nature to pull it forward just far enough before I pulled up so that it cleared my hat. Do it enough and it will become second nature.

If you practice it enough as you mentioned it just becomes natural and the hat stays on. Isn't it great when you remove your mask and the hat stay on. Good job

[lhumpire]

I've read some where that removing the cross sections on the harness will help from your hat coming off. Has anyone tried this?

[semper_fi_72]

In addition to everything that's been posted and with which I concur – especially the part about making sure your mask is not too tight, I would suggest a tighter cap. It sounds like your cap might be too loose.

For plate caps, I use the Richardson flex-fits. I've read a few disparaging comments about flex-fit caps on here, but I really have no idea why. Maybe those who have knocked flex-fits have seen cheaper brands and not the Richardsons. I'm pretty fastidious about my appearance and don't like anything that looks cheap or chintzy. These caps are extremely well made and no one can tell the difference between it and a regular fitted cap, even up close. The Richardson looks exactly like a fitted wool cap.

The big benefit of the flex-fit is that it fits tight on your head without squeezing it uncomfortably like a too-small wool cap would. They don't shrink over time like a wool cap. I highly recommend them.

LINK (http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=P43&Category_Code=UMPIRE-BASE-CAPS&Product_Count=2) to one example. Other sizes on the same site.

I agree 100%
I can't wear a fitted hat.
6 7/8 to tight, 7 to large.

[heyblue26]

I've read some where that removing the cross sections on the harness will help from your hat coming off. Has anyone tried this?

Never heard of that one and why would anyone wanted to remove such a part of something that is provided for the harness anyway?

[heyblue26]

I always have worn a fitted hat both on bases and plate. For the plate I wear either a bennie plate cap or a 3-4 stitch cap. I had my plate hat come off once that I can remember do to not properly removing my mask as instructed. Since then it hasn't happened and hope that it doesn't. Never have worn a flex cap calling the plate or bases, even though I do have one and not a bad hat at all. Again still prefer a fitted cap just my preference.

[AugieDonatelli]

I've read some where that removing the cross sections on the harness will help from your hat coming off. Has anyone tried this?
I've done it with every new harness I've ever owned. I cut the two cross pieces off, as they tend to pull on the hat. Then I make sure, as was stated, that when I bend over that the mask falls away from the chin. Then I know it's not going to fit too tight and will absorb hits properly. After the three points of the strap are where I want them, I tape them up with black electrical tape so they don't move, and my harness is ready for years of service.

[heyblue26]

I've done it with every new harness I've ever owned. I cut the two cross pieces off, as they tend to pull on the hat. Then I make sure, as was stated, that when I bend over that the mask falls away from the chin. Then I know it's not going to fit too tight and will absorb hits properly. After the three points of the strap are where I want them, I tape them up with black electrical tape so they don't move, and my harness is ready for years of service.

I guess there is one person that does it. Augie I am not that brave to cut them, but you have that experience and it works thanks.

[AugieDonatelli]

I guess there is one person that does it. Augie I am not that brave to cut them, but you have that experience and it works thanks.
They are unnecessary, and can tend to snag on hats. I wear 8-stich behind the plate as well as the bases, so I appreciate the ease of removal.