Why Are Umpires Called Blue

Ever Wondered Why Umpires Are Called “Blue”?

Do you ever wonder why someone would call the umpire “Blue” during a baseball game?

This is pretty straightforward.

In summary, it all has to do with uniforms. Umpires used to sport dark blue shirts hence the nickname, but as with most sporting traditions, there is more than meets the eye here than just the color of their shirts.

Let’s know more.

Table of Contents

When Blue Became the Trend

Blue Hits the Field

During those early years, in 1941 to be precise, Chicago Cubs decided to make things different.

Their playing apparel during matches were vests colored blue; something completely unique at that point in time.

Although this bluish appearance did not last long, it was the beginning of something new.

The Seventies: Blue Goes Bold

Jump ahead to the 1970s and things became even more vibrant.

The teams changed from their heavy old uniforms to new shiny ones that were able to show off brighter colors such as powder blue.

This was not just a small change; it was a milestone because when they played away games they stood out.

Blue’s Big Moment

The extreme popularity of blue reached its highest peak during the early 1980s.

It became so popular that even World Series had players donning blue colors. Despite all good things coming to an end, the trend eventually began to wane and by the early 90s blue uniforms were very rare.

Blue Makes a Comeback

Even though the blue uniforms lost their spotlight, people still loved them.

So, teams started bringing them back for special occasions, kind of like a nod to the good old days.

Today, wearing powder blue is like a cool, retro thing that both players and fans enjoy.

Why Blue, Though?

So, why do we call umpires “Blue”? It’s not just because of their uniforms.

Sure, umpires have worn blue for a long time, which started the whole thing. But there’s more to it than just the color of their shirts.

First off, the nickname “Blue” has been around for ages. It started back when umpires wore dark navy suits, and even when they switched to light blue polos, the name stuck.

why do we call umpires "Blue"? It's not just because of their uniforms.

Nowadays, umpires might wear black and gray, but we still call them “Blue” out of tradition.

Some folks think calling an umpire “Blue” is a bit cheeky. There’s a theory that it originally meant the umpire made a mistake like they “blew” the call.

But that’s just one side of the story. Most of the time, when someone shouts “Blue!” they’re just trying to grab the umpire’s attention in a friendly way.

Interestingly, not all umpires are cool with being called “Blue.” Some prefer “ump” or even “Mr. Umpire.”

At the professional level, players and coaches know the umpires by name, so they don’t use nicknames as much.

But for fans and players at lower levels, “Blue” is a common and accepted way to refer to the umpire.

Umpire Fashion has Evolved Over the Years

From Suits to Polos

In the past, umpires looked as if they were heading to fancy offices but not on a baseball field.

They had on suits that included ties and hats, which made them the most official people in the game. It was all about making umpiring seem like a serious occupation.

Umpire Fashion has Evolved Over the Years

However, with time and the evolution of the game, the outfits of umpires changed too. Instead of their stiff suits, they started wearing comfortable polo shirts and slacks.

Looking good wasn’t just about this change; it was aimed at allowing better movement on the field as well as keeping cool during such summer games.

Safety First

The game’s speed got faster and so did baseball umpires need more than a different look- they also needed protection.

Chest protectors, masks, and shin guards came into play for them.

These items shielded umpires from wild pitches as well as foul balls. And as safety gears improved, uniforms followed suit too.

The size of this attire was meant to fit perfectly all this protective gear so that umpires could concentrate on playing rather than evading injuries that may be caused by various hazards in the field.

A Splash of Color

In the 1970s, umpire fashion took a bold turn with the introduction of powder blue shirts.

This was a big deal because it was a break from the traditional dark blue or black. And for a while, umpires even rocked maroon blazers!

These changes added some much-needed color to the game and made umpires stand out in a good way.

Keeping Up with the Times

Nowadays, umpire uniforms have to reflect both traditional and modern requirements.

They are dressed in polo shirts of navy or black colors which are made of fabric for moisture wicking that helps them keep cool during hot weather.

Still, there is traditional blue, reminding us of the good old days.

Also, umpires have various equipment such as masks that protect without hiding their faces and shin guards that do not slow them down.

“Blue” in the Limelight

To begin with, “Blue” is not just a color; it represents some character, mood, and even vibe at times.

For instance, movie and television programs. Take the movie “The Natural”. There is an umpire in this famous baseball film whose name is “Blue,” signifying his position of authority and unbiasedness in the game.

In addition to that, there is “Bull Durham” where the term “blue” is used casually as if it were a nickname for the umpire himself. It tells us how the term “blue” is connected to baseball.

It’s also been seen in video games. In MLB: The Show, when players have disagreements with the umpire who will be referred to as Blue during these heated exchanges.

Now, for the important references…

Movies and TV Shows: “The Natural” and “Bull Durham” where umpires are affectionately called “Blue”.
Video Games: “MLB: The Show,” where players interact with umpires often referred to as “Blue

Do umpires Like the Term “Blue”?

This nickname ‘Blue’ doesn’t bother some umpires at all because, to them, it is just a part of baseball with as much longevity as the game itself.

To them, being called by this name is something that happens normally during the play. For such umpires, their name being “Blue” is equivalent to saying good morning or good afternoon.

That’s what they have been used to.

Nonetheless, there are those who don’t like being referred to as Blue. There could be a perception that one can say Blue in a bad way especially when one is not happy with an umpire’s decision.

The term originated from fans calling the umpire blue for “blowing” the call; so it might sound somewhat disrespectful in some instances.

Moreover, there is another angle that needs consideration and that is a personal touch.

Some prefer their names while others choose either ump or umpire only.

However, at higher levels, players and managers address referees by their names unlike using “blue”.

What are other names for umpires?

While “Blue” is the usual nickname for baseball umpires, did you know that different games and locations have their own unique names referring to those who ensure they’re played fairly?

Let’s quickly tour the sports world and find out what they call them.

In basketball, this person is often referred to as a “ref.” It’s simple and short and you’ll hear it thrown around a lot during games when players or coaches want to get the referee’s attention.

Football has its own term – “official” which makes sense because they’re the ones ensuring everyone follows the rules.

For soccer, you may come across such terms as “officiators” or even something like “whistleblowers,” signifying their role of keeping control with just a simple whistle-blow.

Cricket gives us ‘umpies’ or ‘men in white.’ The last words imply the traditional white outfit an umpire should be wearing. In rugby too, we have got ‘ref’ or ‘whistleblower,’ thus maintaining uniformity between team sports.

But it is not just the sport that changes the name; also, where you are in the U.S. can make a difference.

In the Midwest, umpires might be called “blueshirts” or “bluecoats” due to their blue uniforms. Similarly, down south, “bluesmen” or “bluejackets” may be heard as well.

These regional nicknames add a local flavor to the game, exhibiting the distinct culture and language of each area.

And there are a few more terms that are floating around baseball fields. “Ump” is simply short for “umpire,” which can be shouted quickly in an emergency situation for example.

“Arbiter,” by contrast sounds more official. It creates a vibe of the fair role these umpires play when they make decisions in the game.

And there is “zebra,” which is another term used for umpires in black and white stripes though mostly common in amateur leagues.

Will the Term “Blue” Stay in the Future?

Thinking about it, the future of the nickname “Blue” for baseball umpires is pretty interesting. There might be some changes with all these new technological advancements in the game, including robot umpires and automated ball-strike systems (ABS).

The nature of the job handled by these referees could be significantly transformed to a point where some aspects are not required anymore.

However, even with all this, “Blue” is likely to continue being part of baseball conversations. It has been around for ages as a nickname that shows respect and adds some fun tradition to the game.

Nevertheless, one thing stands out: baseball treasures its traditions, and “Blue” is one of them.

FAQs

What is the reason why baseball umpires are called “Blue”?

It’s because baseball umpires traditionally wear dark blue uniforms. This name has nevertheless stuck around over the years even though their uniform shade may vary a bit now.

Is it disrespectful to call an umpire “Blue”?

The term “Blue”, in general, is not seen as a sign of disrespect. It’s simply a mainstay in America’s game and is often used in an endearing or reverent sense.

Sometimes, depending on how it’s said and the situation, calling an umpire “Blue” might seem rude, especially if the player does not like the decision.

Do Umpires always wear blue uniforms?

Even though blue used to be a common color for umpires’ outfits, they don’t always wear it now. Depending on the league and level of play, umpires might wear black, gray, or navy blue. But because of its history, “Blue” is still one of the most common nicknames for them.

Do professional baseball players call umpires “blue”?

Professional baseball players and managers normally know the names of umpires due to frequent interaction with them hence rarely using the word ‘blue’. Regardless of this fact fans plus players still use it generally.

Can the term “Blue” be used for umpires in other sports?

“Blue” is the nickname associated with baseball umpires, but other sports have their own names for refs.

For instance, basketball officials are typically known as zebras because of their striped attire. Every sport has its unique ways of talking about referees.

Wrapping Up

The history of baseball umpires, often referred to as “Blues” dates back to the time they wore an all-blue uniform.

Even though their outfits have changed, the nickname has remained. Regardless of the advent of technologies like robot umpires, human umpires are still in great demand.

As a matter of fact, these people are embedded in baseball’s tradition and culture so they make significant decisions ensuring fairness in this game. Thus regardless of whether they wear blue colors or not the legacy will remain.