The Umpires Behind our 2011 Baseball Promotion

Hopefully by now you've had a chance to see at least one of the umpire collector's cards we published for the 2011 season. A playful take on the questionable gear and apparel choices made by some umpires, the cards were included in each shipment from January to June and featured local umpires as models, as well as a coupon code good for future purchases. Each card featured an umpire making a "bad call" with his uniform, contrasted with an umpire making a "good call" with a featured new Ump-Attire.com product.

When we planned the campaign, we knew we wanted to use local umpires to model the gear and apparel. The only problem with that is that we'd be asking one of them to wear it all wrong. We knew we'd have to find somebody with a good sense of humor, who could be a good sport about looking a little silly in uniform. We didn't have to look far to find Nathan Huber, who enthusiastically volunteered to be our "bad call" umpire.

John Bennett (right) demonstrates how nicely his Smitty adjustable waist pants fit.

Despite his appearance as Mr. Bad Call, Nate is actually an accomplished professional umpire. A Louisville native, Nate got his start with 9-10 year old fall league baseball in 1998. He went on to attend high school and college camps in 1999 and 2000, and graduated from the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring in 2001. After bouncing around in the minor leagues for 4 years, Nate currently works Div. I conference baseball and fills in at the AAA level. When he isn't umpiring, Nate works for Clear Channel Radio as an Account Executive. When it comes to equipment, Nate is most particular about his mask. He says, "If the mask doesn't fit right, I won't be comfortable from the first pitch."

Nathan Huber at Triple-A Louisville.

Nathan Huber (left) in an "antique" Elbeco umpire shirt. Roger Fulks (right) in an Ump Attire Ultimate shirt.

In addition to Nate, who posed as the "bad call" umpire on all six cards, we were able to convince six other local umpires to volunteer an evening of their time to pose in various apparel and gear. Each photo shoot was a lot of fun, with plenty of jokes and war stories and good-natured ribbing among the umpires.

Roger Fulks.

Roger Fulks has been umpiring since 1994, and received his training through KBUA and SIUA camps and classes. He's currently umpiring Div. I baseball in the OVC, Atlantic Sun and Sun Belt Conferences, and is employed as a Transportation Manager for Mercer Transportation here in Lousiville. His favorite piece of equipment is his titanium face mask.

(from left) Scott Kennedy, Brandon Cooper, Nathan Huber at the University of Louisville.

Scott Kennedy in the Champro low-profile shin guards, nearly undetectable as worn properly, unlike Nathan's.

Scott Kennedy has been umpiring since 1992. He attended the Harry Wendelstedt School in 1997, where he went on to be an instructor for 9 years. He has umpired at the Triple-A level and MLB Spring Training, and currently works Div. I college baseball in the SEC, ACC, Sunbelt and OVC. Scott works for the Kentucky Court system dealing with juveniles when he is not umpiring. His favorite piece of equipment is his West Vest chest protector.

Brandon Cooper (right) doesn't need ski gear to stay warm  in the popular Majestic Therma Base jacket.

Brandon Cooper began umpiring in 1998 as a way to earn money while in college. In 1999 he attended the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring in Florida. He went on to umpire in the Minor Leagues from 1999 to 2006, reaching Triple-A in 2005. Brandon currently umpires Div. I college baseball in the Ohio Valley Conference and the Big East. When he's not umpiring, Brandon works as a Probation/Parole Officer for the state of Kentucky.

Manny Gonzalez behind the plate.

Manny Gonzalez (right) with a much nicer gear bag than Nathan's.

Manny Gonzalez started umpiring in 2002 while attending Georgetown College. He received most of his training from Bob Howard and Jay Asher, in addition to SIUA training and attending college camps around the region. The highest level he's worked so far has been Div. I in the OVC. He's also worked a Div. II Regional. Currently employed by the Department of Revenue as a Tax Specialist, Manny's favorite piece of umpiring equipment is his protective cup.

Cedric Coleman at the JUCO World Series.

Cedric wearing the natural tan/titanium Wilson mask.

Cedric Coleman has been umpiring baseball for 20 years, since he was 13 years old. He got his start doing local Little League games and was trained by his dad, Clarence Coleman. "I've spent many summers on the diamond with Pops, and have learned a lot about the game and honing my skills," says Cedric. A Programmer Analyst for the Department of Corrections, Cedric currently umpires Div. I college baseball and has also had the opportunity to work some post-season games, including the JUCO World Series in 2009 and 2010, as well as the 2011 OVC Tournament. Cedric's favorite piece of equipment is his Shock Doctor cup.

Officials at Risk of Heat-Related Illness

As temperatures and humidity levels soar during the summer months, so do incidences of heat-related illness among athletes. Every year preventable heat-related illness and dehydration syndromes affect thousands of athletes at all levels of competition.

At equal risk of heat-related illness are umpires and other sports officials who are exposed to extreme conditions, often during the hottest times of the day. Being aware of the conditions, their symptoms, and means of prevention, are crucial for anyone working or participating in sports in the heat.

What is heat-related illness?

Heat-related illnesses and dehydration symptoms include heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, a potentially fatal condition. Under normal conditions, your body is able to regulate its temperature by sweating; heat is transferred from the body by the sweat evaporating on your skin. Unfortunately for umpires and athletes, much of your skin is covered by clothing and gear, and there is not adequate skin exposure to facilitate your body's natural cooling mechanism. In addition to that, high humidity levels also impair evaporation, putting you at greater risk.

Other factors can contribute to your risk of heat-related illness, including caffeine and alcohol intake prior to heat exposure, certain medications, being overweight, and being in poor physical condition. Some health conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase your personal risk. If you are being treated for a health condition, consult your physician about your risk before stepping onto the field.

What can I do to prevent heat-related illness?

• Monitor your physical condition during games for signs or symptoms of heat-related illness. Keep an eye on your crew members as well!
• Take frequent breaks when possible. If there is shade available, try and move into a shaded area for breaks.
• Remove your hat, mask, or other headgear often to maximize heat loss.
• Drink often and drink regularly; by the time you are thirsty, you are already experiencing a significant fluid deficit.
• Drink more than just water; when you are exerting yourself in hot weather, you are losing electrolytes as well. Replacing lost fluids with water alone can lead to electrolyte imbalances.

What symptoms should I look for?
 Heat cramps affect people who are sweating a lot during strenuous activity. Sweating depletes your body's salt and moisture levels.
Symptoms:

• Muscle cramps, pain or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs.
• May be accompanied by loss of energy.

First Aid:

• Take a break from activity in a cool place.
• Drink a sports beverage or water with food to aid absorption.
• Avoid strenuous activity for a few hours after cramps subside.
• Seek medical attention if you have heart problems, are on a low-sodium diet, or if the cramps do not subside within an hour.

 Heat exhaustion is your body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through sweating.
Symptoms:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Heavy sweating.
• Extreme weakness or fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea/vomiting.
• Irritability.
• Fast, shallow breathing.
• Elevated body temperature.

First Aid:

• Rest in a cool area.
• Drink plenty of water or other cool beverage to replace lost fluids.
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
• Lie down with your legs elevated to ease dizziness and headaches.

Heat stroke is a condition that occurs when your body becomes unable to regulate its temperature. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that calls for immediate medical assistance.
Symptoms:

• High body temperature.
• Confusion.
• Loss of coordination.
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating.
• Throbbing headache.
• Seizures, unconsciousness, coma. 

First Aid:

• Seek immediate medical assistance.
• Move the victim to a cool, shaded area.
• Remove excess clothing and apply ice packs or cool water to their body.

How do other umpires prevent heat-related illness?

Many umpires we spoke to have a plan in place for being sufficiently hydrated prior to working a game, as well as tips for staying cool and hydrated while on the field. The general consensus seems to be that avoiding dehydration syndrome starts the day before, by drinking lots of water.

Umpire Chris Guidry notes, "Hydrate the day/night before. Keep taking in fluids all day from the beginning. If you have to run to the restroom between games, that's a good sign you are staying hydrated."

In areas where humidity is less of an issue, many umpires find that soaking their hat or gear in ice water prior to the game, or using cold packs or towels helps with evaporation and regulating your temperature. It is important to note that while this may keep you more comfortable, you should still replace lost fluids frequently.

Have you ever experienced heat-related illness or dehydration syndrome while umpiring? How did you treat your symptoms?


Sources: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); National Center for Sports Safety; Gatorade Sports Science Institute.