Cece Carlucci
Specializing in Umpire Safety
by Brent McLaren
They call him "Mr. Ump" and after a few minutes on the phone with Cece Carlucci you will begin to figure out why. What started out as an attempt to get information on Cece's custom made umpire equipment quickly became a question and answer session on some of the toughest game problems baseball can throw at you. It was one of those enjoyable baseball moments you long remember.
Any discussion of high quality umpire equipment invariably raises Mr. Ump's name.
Comments such as "I just can't say enough about his chest protector", "The fit is
absolutely perfect right out of the shipping box" and "You will not believe the
protection" are regular occurences in the email traffic I receive. After hearing that Cece
had redesigned his equipment to make it lighter (the average chest protector now weighs less than
three pounds) I felt a phone call was in order. Here is what I discovered.
I had always heard about the Carlucci chest protector. It turns out however that it was only part of the product that Cece individually tailors to each umpire. Cece offers a complete line of umpiring equipment right from the shin guards, a new model mask, even to the ball bag and a blue cordora equipment bag. If you want to go one step further there is even a garment bag made of the same strong blue cordora material.
By the way, the Carlucci Model Ball Bag is a radical departure from traditional umpire equipment. First it is rounded in shape and contains a bellows in the bag so the bag expands freely. Next, it attaches to the belt with the belt loop going through a hole in the back of the bag's top support so the bag stays put on the belt and does not bunch up. The bag is longer than a traditional ball bag and contains individual pockets for a pencil and brush. The result is a unique product that displays the insight gained from years experience behind the plate.
Recent changes in protective foams and coverings have allowed Cece to increase the protection to the umpire while reducing the weight of his vest. While his favorite color is blue "Mr. Ump" will make your equipment in a color of your choosing. If you have seen the latest burgundy set on Durwood Merrill you are looking at a complete Carlucci model. Further, Cece has greatly increased the protection available to the umpire in the clavicle area. His over the shoulder protection literally wraps the umpire in protection. Since he manufactures each piece specifically for an individual the fit at the collarbone is exact. An optional one piece polyethelene frontal plate can be added bringing even greater protection to the protector.
Expensive ... compared with high end off the shelf models ... well .... yes, but Cece notes that the covering used on the protector costs him over $43.00 per yard to start with. His personal demands for quality and the concern for the safety of each umpire will not allow him to accept less. Afterall a tailor made suit is rarely available at the cost of one from the local department store. Comparing the actual long term costs of a custom fit Carlucci model in these terms can easily change your opinion. Here is an inside look at his price list as of August 1998:
| Chest Protector | Triple thickness blue | $220.00 - $250.00 |
| Optional | One piece polyethelene in front extended to shoulder | $50.00 |
| Shin Guards | 5" above knee with V for bend | $100.00 - $120.00 |
| Mask | 5" longer chin padding, blue, light weight | $80.00 |
| Mask | Padding only | $35.00 |
| Ball Bags | With bellows at bottom, blue or gray, cordora or gabardine | $16.00 |
| Equipment Bags | 4 pieces set, blue, cordora 3 small ones for shoes and mask | $75.00 |
| Garment Bags | Blue cordora | $50.00 |
Shipping is extra and Cece's payment policy is simple: "All my gear is paid in advance by cashier's check or money order."
Cece will need some measurement information from you. To design your chest protector he will have to know your: height, weight, waist, neck size and bicep diameter. In addition he will need to know two criticial measurements: the distance between your inside left shoulder socket to inside right shoulder socket and the distance from the bottom of your neck to the top of your belt line in your umpiring stance. To prepare your shin guards Cece requires a measurement of the distance from the center of your knee cap to the bottom of the shin bone.
By the way, what does "Mr. Ump" strongly recommend to clean and protect his equipment? A product called "Tannery". Tannery is a cleaner and protectant formulated especially for leather and vinyl and is available at most quality hardware distributors.
Cece is also available as a guest speaker. His discussions on the "naughty" and "knotty" problems of baseball can be the highlight of your organization's meeting or dinner. Who better to hear about the plays that continue to make baseball history then from the man whom umpires call when they need advice!
If you are interested in obtaining more information on Cece Carlucci's custom made umpire equipment you can call: (909) 674-2935 or write him at 20848 Cashew Street, Wildomar, California, 92595. He manufactures equipment for both male and female umpires as well as catcher's gear.
.... and in the course of your conversation with him say "Hi" from me and let him know you saw it on this web site. ... now if I can figure out why when the ball bounces it is a ....
..... August 3, 1998
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