BAD YEAR FOR UMPS

Another bad day for the brethren. This is one reason I like to wear the goalie style mask that has made it's way into the major league ranks slowly. The lower level games that I do, you're probably more at risk of events like this or the bat flingers crashing one into your skull.

Amazingly, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) does not endorse either style but at our annual umpires clinic/rules meeting the head of the state association answered a direct question regarding the goalie mask by saying in effect "you can wear them if you chose, but don't expect to advance or do the higher level regional or state games, if you do wear them."

Let me get this straight. We're not opposed to having pitchers and infielders wear masks that make them look like Hannibal Lechter, but put the umpires at risk of concussion or worse and we're somehow opposed to it for cosmetic reasons? Are you serious?

What's the big deal if guys feel more properly protected using one style or the other? Apparently, the major league umpires don't seem to mind if their ranks use a mix of both styles. Why would this be good enough for MLB umpires but not a state high school association? Likely because the (lone) administrator in charge of such a decision has never actually been on a field or behind a plate.

Give me an F-ing break. Almost anything in the name of safety, but not a choice of masks to protect the umpires. Sorry guys, I actually use my brain and don't mind taking reasonable measures to protect it. Too bad the IHSA administration doesn't use or value their brains.

Unfortunately, I'll have to root on a lawsuit. Of course, they'll cower behind the "we have no official position" on this and "we don't hold this against qualified umpires", blah, blah, blah, blah blah.

Personally, I currently have no desire to do those games, so it's not sour grapes involved. I just don't see the logic employed by the IHSA here and hopefully it doesn't take more umpires taking shots like this unnecessarily before there is a change at our level.