My Visit with Minor League Umpire Scott Barry and Crew

At a recent family night out at Louisville Slugger Field where the Triple A Cincinnati Reds affiliate Louisville Bats play, I was so curious about what mask umpire Scott Barry was wearing that I approached him as he was stepping off the field.

Instead of worrying that I might be a knife-wielding fan upset over a call, he took the time to reveal that it was a Nike titanium frame catcher's mask made for only a small handful of MLB catchers, including Jorge Posada, that he happened to get his hands on. Interestingly, Scott had modified it by using black replacement Wilson pads and harness.

I can't imagine what was going through Scott's mind about why this fan was such an umpire gear junkie until I shared with him that I was the owner of Ump-Attire.com.

Although I wasn't planning on coming back the following night, I couldn't resist Scott's invitation to return for the final game of the series to bring a few items and visit with the rest of the crew before the game. That's Scott and I in the photo.

Couldn't have gotten to talk shop with a nicer group of MLB destined umpires including Todd Paskiet and David Uyl, all of whom had been working hard through Louisville's high 90 to low 100 degree heat this week. Scott actually has been able to call a few MLB games of late, filling in for one who was on vacation.

Best of luck to the 3 of you and the other Minor League blues putting their time in to make it to the next level.