Cliff Keen Umpire Shirts

That was exactly the way it was when Steve received his new shipment of Cliff Keen Pro-Knit Mesh shirts. In short order two powder blue shirts (#U126) were on their way. The shirts, a three-button pullover model, would feature the navy and white trim on the collar and sleeves. In exactly one week the package arrived at the door.

The hallmarks of a good umpire shirt are simple: look, comfort and durability. I cannot recommend any shirt until it has seen the repeated cycle of wearing and washing several times. I like to compare how the colors in the fabrics hold up under the extreme laundering stress an umpire puts clothing through. In only a few occupations would you repeatedly wear clothing then come home and wash it, and put it back on the next night expecting the "factory-fresh" for months on end. The shirts have now seen many cycles and so it is time to put my experience into a review.

Let's start with the fit, look and comfort. Cliff Keen has been in the business of supplying professional official's clothing for over 20 years. Their experience in selecting the materials, cut and selecting patterns the official requires shows in the "plate cut" design of their shirts. In fact, when ordering these shirts the comapny recommended the umpire size down for base wear. In my case, since I wear a modern plated protector I like to size-up for plate. Keen manufactures this shirt in sizes from Small to XXXXL (4XL) so getting the proper size was not a problem.

The fit over my chest protector was ideal and the extra length securely tucked into my pants. The "Hidden Tailor" belt I normally wear was not needed. The arm length, remembering that my protector has the upper shoulder plates, was excellent, not the pulled up "football lineman" look of a skimpy cut shirt. Without the chest protector the same shirt looks equally well, perhaps just a touch too large, but certainly not something I would not consider wearing. If I was only going to buy one shirt it would be sized large and comfortable for my protector and with two strategic pleat folds at my sides no one would notice the difference.

Both shirts have now gone through numerous laundry cycles and several rain cycles. They have come through well. The collars and cuffs show no signs of bunching or rolling, something that happens when the body material and cuff material are not really compatible. After an early washing one shirt had numerous strands of thread and material apparent. It took only a few seconds to trim the wisps away with a pair of scissors. (Never pull a loose thread on any of the modern fabrics, always take a moment to trim it properly.)

An additional note about laundry: several seasons ago I quite putting my "mesh" umpire shirts into the dryer, preferring to hang them to dry. This has resulted, I believe, in increased life for my shirts without color fading or material breakdown. Also, since my crests are applied using a velcro system, I rarely have to take an iron to a shirt. The Cliff Keen shirt looks factory fresh after considerable wear and tear.

I know why Steve was excited about these shirts. This is simply excellent quality, the perfect look, fit and durability any umpire would look for, at a price that is affordable.

- cleanly a five plus plate rating! (5/5)

For more information see Spano Sports or contact Steve Spano by e-mail at : Also Steve operates the Sunbelt Umpires Camp comes highly recommended.

By the way, if you are a member of the Little League Umpires' Registry be certain to mention this to Steve when you place an order or enroll in the camp.