Getting into umpiring is one of the best ways to stay involved in baseball, earn some money, and contribute to the game you love. But showing up to your first assignment without proper gear is uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst. Plate umpires face foul tips, backswings, and wild pitches. Even base umpires need specific equipment to do the job professionally.
The good news is that you do not need to buy everything at once.
Start with the essentials for the role you are working (plate or bases), and add items as you gain experience and take on higher-level games.
Plate Umpire Essentials
Mask
The mask is your most important piece of safety equipment. Traditional two-piece masks have a separate mask and helmet. Hockey-style masks are one-piece units that combine face and head protection. Both work well, and the choice is largely personal preference.
Traditional masks are lighter and provide better visibility.
They also absorb less heat in summer. Hockey-style masks offer more comprehensive head coverage and some umpires feel more protected behind them. For new umpires, a quality traditional mask from All-Star or Diamond is a solid starting point that most associations accept.
Make sure the mask fits snugly with the pads contacting your forehead and chin without gaps. A loose mask shifts on impact and does not protect as intended.
Replace the pads when they compress and no longer provide cushioning.
Chest Protector
A plate umpire's chest protector absorbs foul tips and wild pitches that hit the torso. Inside chest protectors worn under the shirt are the current standard for high school and above. Outside chest protectors (the big black pad worn over the shirt) are still used at some youth levels but are increasingly being phased out.
The Wilson West Vest Gold is the most popular inside chest protector among amateur and professional umpires.
It provides excellent protection while maintaining a slim profile under the shirt. Size it so it covers from your collarbone to below your waist without riding up when you bend into the slot position.
Shin Guards
Umpire shin guards protect your lower legs from foul tips, backswings, and the occasional throw that gets away from the catcher. They need to cover from just below the knee to the top of the foot. Umpire-specific shin guards are shaped differently from catcher's shin guards because umpires stand in a different position.
The All-Star System Seven and the Force3 shin guards are both excellent options.
Look for guards with hard plastic shells over foam padding and comfortable straps that stay in place during movement.
Plate Shoes
Plate shoes have a reinforced toe area with a steel or composite plate that protects your toes from foul tips. They also have a flat sole (no cleats on the plate shoe) for stability on the dirt behind home plate. New Balance and Under Armour both make popular umpire plate shoes.
If you are starting out and do not want to buy plate shoes immediately, any sturdy dark shoe with a toe guard attachment will work temporarily.
But proper plate shoes are significantly more comfortable for long games behind the plate.
Cup
A cup is absolutely mandatory for plate work. There is no discussion here. Foul tips to the groin are a when, not an if. Wear a hard cup in compression shorts with a secure pocket. Check the fit before every game.
Base Umpire Essentials
Base umpires need less protective equipment but still require specific items.
Dark pants (either charcoal or navy depending on your association), a dark blue or black polo shirt or button-up, a black belt, and black shoes with rubber soles are the baseline uniform. Most associations specify exact colors and styles, so check with yours before buying.
A ball bag clipped to your belt holds extra baseballs. The umpire indicator (clicker) tracks balls, strikes, and outs.
A plate brush (even for base umpires, you may need to brush bases) rounds out the basics.
Accessories
Indicator
A four-dial indicator tracks balls, strikes, outs, and innings. Choose one that clicks firmly so you can operate it one-handed by feel without looking at it. Metal indicators are more durable than plastic. The standard models from Markwort or Champion work perfectly for all levels.
Ball Bag
An umpire ball bag holds 4 to 6 baseballs and attaches to your belt. Leather bags are the professional look but break in over time. Nylon bags are lighter and dry faster. Carry at least 4 balls during plate work so you can quickly replace a ball without asking for a new one.
Plate Brush
A simple wooden or plastic-handled brush with stiff bristles for clearing dirt off home plate. Keep it in your back pocket or ball bag. Brushing the plate cleanly and efficiently is a small detail that signals professionalism to players and coaches.
What to Buy First
If you are brand new and want to start working games quickly, prioritize in this order: cup and compression shorts, mask, chest protector, shin guards, indicator, ball bag, and plate brush. You can usually borrow gear for your first few games through your local umpire association while you build your own kit.
Buy quality on the mask and chest protector. These are safety items where cutting corners creates real risk. Accessories like indicators and brushes are inexpensive and any brand works fine. Build your gear set over your first season as your income from umpiring covers the investment.