Date of Award
1997
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
Department
Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
First Advisor
Linda Welters
Abstract
Organized baseball games, from 1846 on, required the services of one or more umpires to enforce the rules of play. The umpire's formality of dress helped to establish his authority by distinguishing him from both the players and the spectators. Throughout the one hundred and fifty year period of this study the umpire remained one of the most formally and conservatively dressed men at the ball park.
For the first quarter-century of modern baseball, umpires were amateurs who wore their customary clothing when asked to officiate. This consisted of a frock coat, top hat, white linen and matched or contrasting-colored trousers. As the sport became increasingly democratic after the Civil War and betting became a more important part of the game, commanding respect and control of players and crowds grew difficult.
In 1882 the newly formed American Association of Base Ball Clubs hired a staff of umpires and required them to wear uniforms. The blue sack suit became the trademark of the arbiter for nearly a century. Umpires were referred to as "men in blue" and often were not recognized without their trademark suit.
As the size of umpiring staffs increased, sporting goods manufacturers began to offer uniforms for sale. Style details developed to suit arbiter's needs for a wide range of motion, large pockets to hold baseballs, and safe footwear. Protecting umpires from foul balls and wild pitches inspired the development of several items of safety gear. In addition to face masks and shin guards, three types of body protection evolved. The inside chest protector worn under the jacket was commonly used by National League arbiters. In the American League, an inflatable outside protector was favored. Consequently, National League umpires who could crouch lower called more strikes at the bottom of the strike zone than did their less mobile American League counterparts. Another style of outside protector, the mattress, was developed by a National League umpire specifically to offer greater security for the throat and shoulders. Its additional bulk limited the mattress' use.
By the 1960s the blue suit, for so long the identifier of an umpire, was badly out of fashion. In addition it photographed badly on television. A number of innovations including blue blazers with gray pants, then maroon blazers with the same gray pants were introduced by the American League. The National League retained the suit but pioneered the use of an identifying number. Both leagues began to allow umpires to officiate in shirtsleeves during the hot summer months and both replaced white shirts with blue short-sleeved styles.
In 1980, the two leagues attired their arbiters alike in navy blue blazers, gray trousers and blue shirts. Umpires omitted jackets during hot weather, necessitating the addition of a ball bag worn on the belt. Arbiters also wore sweaters, windbreakers and knit sport shirts at various times. Throughout the 1990s both leagues made minor alterations to umpire's uniforms on an almost yearly basis without changing the essential nature of the dress.
No matter what they wear, as long as it remains a style distinct from that of other participants, umpires are identified as the men in charge of the game. Their true authority rests in their power to levy tines and eject players, managers, and tans from the ball park. However, it is through their visual impression that ordinary men become known as the enforcers of the rules.
Recommended Citation
Martin, Elizabeth K., "THE DEVELOPMENT OF BASEBALL UMPIRES' UNIFORMS, 1846-1996" (1997). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2551.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2551
