Spring Cold Weather Provides Challenges for Umpires & Players

Apr 23rd, 2013

It's baseball season again and while half of the country is enjoying sunshine and warm temps, part of country is still dealing with snow, ice and cold weather.

On April 5th in Chicago, the Chicago White Sox and the Seattle Mariners played in temperatures in the low 30's.  In fact at the first pitch it was a mere 34 degrees, tying the record for the coldest game time temperature the Mariners had faced since 1988.

 

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/04/05/2954032/mariners-greeted-with-chilly-temperatures.html#storylink=cpy

Those freezing or just above freezing temperatures can create risks for umpires and players.  Risks can include increased injuries, particularly muscle pulls and strains.  Players and officials may have trouble staying loose and keeping muscles warmed and ready for action.

To protect yourself follow these tips:

  • Utilize heaters in the dugouts when you can 
  • Move around when you have the opportunity to stay loose
  • Layer up your clothing so you can add or take away layers as needed if the weather changes.
  • Wear gloves, ear muffs or heavier jackets

What pointers do you have for officiating in frigid temperatures?

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About the Author

Picture of Jim Kirk

President Jim Kirk

Jim is a leading expert, educator and author on umpire gear, safety & appearance. After playing baseball at Centre College, he worked as a high school umpire. He became involved in E-Commerce while working on an MBA in the early 2000s and bought Ump-Attire.com in 2006, He eventually led it to the leading umpire gear & attire retailer worldwide, a “Best Places to Work in Louisville” honor in 2020, 2021, 2024, and a National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Preferred Vendor. He maintained a long-standing relationship with Minor League Baseball Umpire Development & Training Academy for 10 years. He serves as an adviser to UMPS CARE Charities, the charity of MLB umpires, served as a 2-term board of director from 2012-2018, and was named their 2015 Ambassador Award recipient. A supporter since the inception of the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy, he was named to their Board of Directors in 2020.

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