Elbeco Umpire Shirts

My Elbeco shirts were purchased through Honig's Whistle Stop, but they are available from almost every official's supplier. I have seen these shirts in catalogues from all over Canada and the United States. The price was quite reasonable and actually better than other dress shirts I could have chosen. Certainly most umpires would be willing to put out a few extra dollars to be assured of a shirt that met all their needs. Here was a shirt, at a price better than other options, that exceeded my demands.

I selected the model of shirts with extra long tails. Elbeco manufactures a regular body and an extra long body, sometimes referred to as a "tall size." Regardless of your physical size, the tall size makes sense for your plate shirt. Also, using a "Hidden Tailor" belt keeps the shirt looking neat and trim when on the bases. The taller versions additional sleeve length makes little difference on the bases and actually assists in creating a good look with your association's numbers and crests.

The shirts were a full cut with two pockets. There was plenty of room in the arms, across the shoulders and back so my movement was never once impeded. The 60% poly / 35% cotton broadcloth has a feature called "soil-release." The shirts are permanent press, sold as "wash N wear."

So let's look at the shirt after a full season of washing and wearing. In truth my dad washes my umpire clothes along with his. He is very careful how they are cleaned. He will wash only a few items (shirts and whites in one load, pants, blues and blacks in another) at a time in cold water and on the permanent press/polyester cycle of the machine. From here the go to a dryer with a low temperature polyester drying cycle. After cool down they are immediately removed to hangers. The shirts retained a "factory-fresh" appearance each time they were laundered. Only occasional ironing was needed and this was usually in the area of the crests and numbers.. There was very little fading. My newest shirt is virtually identical in look to one that has seen the machine many, many times.

Elbeco shirts are an excellent value. If I had only one desire it would be that I wish the shirts were available in a single pocket version. With only one pocket no one would know how much less I paid for the same look and quality as their custom shirts.. :)

Excellent value for the money! - + - a four plus plate rating!

.... reviewed September 16, 1996 by Nathan McLaren

Followup - December 21, 1996

David Lurio from Elbeco Uniform Products contacted us. He noted : "As Executive Vice President of Elbeco, I would appreciate any and all comments on our umpire shirts. Though we are a manufacturing company and do not 'sell direct' to the individual unpire, customer feedback would be most helpful in providing the highest quality and most comfortable shirt to you. Any direct comments can be forwarded to our email address at : elbeco@aol.com."

If you have comments you feel Mr. Lurio should be aware of the electronic doorway has been opened for your response.