Monday, May 3, 2004

The Garage: When to lose the bucket

Editor's Note: The garage is a regular NBUA column discussing mechanics. Send your one-, two- and three-man mechanics question to Chris Thomas at csthump@yahoo.com.

By Chris Thomas
Training Staff

Garage Man,

I would appreciate clarification on the proper mechanic in respect to when and when not to remove the "hockey" style mask/helmet.

When they first came out, the prevailing mechanic was to keep them on, (good visibility, and too bulky to be making a safe or out call while in your hand).  Over the last couple of years it has been, whatever you are comfortable with, (on or off, and/or off on close plays but not off when merely going up the first base line to help U1 on a tag play).  This year, I've been told that it should come off in ALL situations, (just as you would if only wearing a mask).

Is there a preferred/required mechanic when using this style of protection?

PS: watching the pros who use them hasn't given me a definitive answer either!

Signed,
Hockey Puck

Puck,

This is a great topic to touch on, as more and more umpires are turning to the Darth Vader look.  There are Advantages and disadvantages to using the Hockey style mask.  The only advantages I see are being able to see the "down pitch", not having to buy a plate hat, and it keeps your head cooler.  The disadvantage of using this style is that as you have the plate meeting or make a lineup change, it is much harder to hold under your arm (as it is also a required mechanic to keep your mask in your hands at these times, not set it down in the dirt), it is a lot heavier, more expensive, more difficult to take off and make your calls with, and you have to keep your hair short, or well groomed during the game.  As you continue to use it, however, it will get easier and become second nature to you.  

To get to your question now, the changing opinions that you have heard concerning the matter is just that, opinions.  The mechanic is, and always was this:  Take your helmet off just as you would your regular mask.  Simple as that.  Do not leave it on to make calls or see swipe tags, or running up the line, nothing.  It is the perception that you are portraying out there.  If you leave it on, you are inviting conflict.

As one that has used both styles of mask, I can tell you that it takes time to get used to either one.  When buying a mask take into account how well you can see out of it.  Double bar masks, and composite style masks give you a lot less visibility, and would recommend getting yourself a good single bar mask.  What I have found is that if you adjust the lower pads on the single bar mask, and put the velcro straps under the bar that you normally velro the pad to, you will get almost the same visibility on the low pitch as you do in the hockey style mask.  

That is enough rambling about this subject for now.  Thank you for opening a can of worms!

Garageman