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What gear do MLB umpires wear?

Author

Avery Gonzales

Published Mar 22, 2026

What gear do MLB umpires wear?

The base umpire is to wear comfortable “low top” sneakers with rubber soles, or turf shoes with rubberize cleats (solid black, or black and white). The plate umpire is strongly encouraged to purchase “plate shoes” with steel toes and rubberized cleats (solid black, or black and white).

What shirts do MLB umpires wear?

An umpire’s uniform varies, depending upon their league or organization. Some wear heather gray pants, a black belt, a plain black shirt and black baseball cap that displays a league emblem, and rubber cleats with steel toes.

What face masks do MLB umpires wear?

Big League Silver or Matte Black & All Star System Seven Masks are all good masks which will protect you. *ALL mask have a built in throat protector. Some umpires add a dangling throat protector to the mask. Mask pads are also important to the protection of the umpire.

When did umpires stop wearing blazers?

The use of ties with the blazers were gradually phased out; the last time they were worn in the World Series was in 1975 and overall was in the 1979 Major League Baseball All-Star Game by George Maloney, Terry Cooney, and Nick Bremigan.

Do umpires wear shin guards?

Many umpires will wear something (tights) under their shin guards, just like under their chest protector, to wick away the sweat and prevent chaffing. Many guards also offer ankle (mandatory) and toe protection (optional).

Should an umpire wear a cup?

If you enjoy umpiring, you’re no doubt aware of the importance of wearing the right protective gear. A good athletic cup is an important part of any umpire’s safety equipment, and it can allow you to actively officiate the game with peace of mind in knowing that your most sensitive region is protected.

What is FTX on MLB umpire uniforms?

When the American and National League All-Stars square off next week at Denver’s Coors Field, the umpire crew will sport a corporate uniform logo for the first time in Major League Baseball history. The patch is part of a marketing deal struck with baseball by San Francisco-based cryptocurrency exchange FTX.US.

What does FTX mean on umpire?

The umpires are wearing FTX patches as part of a sponsorship deal between Major League Baseball and FTX, a crypto derivitives exchange. Basically FTX is a company that helps people invest in cryptocurrencies and the umpires are advertising their company with the patch. So… yeah, it’s just an ad.

What is the lightest umpire mask?

17 ounces. Champro Lightweight Steel Umpire Mask. 18 ounces. Wilson MLB Titanium Umpire Mask. 19 ounces.

Do umpires wear dress pants?

The Plate Coat: To establish legitimacy, the American Association and the National League concluded that umpire should have a professional uniform. And nothing is more professional than a suit. The very first umpires wear a suit with full pants, shirts, ties, and hats.

When did umpires start wearing black?

In the 1960s and 1970s, umpires wore black or blue jackets and matching pants. However, umpires often wear maroon jackets to go with gray pants. Minor league umpires wear varied color combinations.

What is the career path to becoming a MLB umpire?

According to MLB Director of Umpire Administration Tom Lepperd, the career path is “usually seven to 10 years in the minor leagues” before an umpire is called to the majors. (See Reference 1) Get some experience umpiring at the local level before you take your shot at umpire school.

Are there female MLB umpires?

First Female Major League Baseball Umpire: Bernice Shiner-Gera Baseball Career. As a child, Gera always loved baseball. Male Profession. Before Gera attended the Florida Baseball School, umpiring had previously only been a male profession. Lawsuit. Gera was unable to get a job as a professional baseball umpire. Legal Victory. First And Only Game. After The Game. Death. Sources Comments.

How many umpires in MLB?

The number of umpires in a game can range from a minimum of one to a maximum of seven. There is never more than one “plate umpire”; there can be up to three “base umpires”, and up to a further three umpires positioned in the outfield. Most games use a crew of two umpires (one plate umpire, one base umpire).

Why is an umpire called Blue in baseball?

Baseball umpires are called “Blue” due to the blue color of uniform that they wear throughout many competitive levels of the sport. Because this is commonplace in the sport, even umpires not wearing the color blue will be referred to as “Blue”.