Why do baseball umpires wear blue or black?

Traditionally, umpires wore navy blue (earning them the nickname 'blue') to distinguish themselves from the players. Today, MLB umpires wear either black or navy blue shirts depending on the game setup.

What is the difference between a referee and an umpire costume?

Referees typically wear vertical black-and-white stripes (common in football and basketball), while baseball umpires wear solid-colored collared shirts (usually navy or black) and carry baseball-specific gear like a mask and ball pouch.

What accessories are essential for an umpire costume?

The most essential accessories are a short-brimmed black cap, a handheld ball-and-strike indicator clicker, and a wire umpire face mask.

AI-generated example

Baseball Umpire Costume

Call the shots this Halloween in a classic baseball umpire uniform.

The baseball umpire is the ultimate authority on the diamond, making this costume a perfect choice for sports fans who want a recognizable, authoritative look. Whether you go with the traditional 'umpire blue' or modern black, this outfit is instantly identifiable by its distinct gear. The look consists of a professional collared jersey, a matching cap, and key officiating accessories like a strike indicator and ball bag.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $35–85

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Baseball Umpire costume — Example look · AI-generated

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Result

What you need for a Baseball Umpire costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Baseball Umpire costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Baseball Umpire at Spirit ↗

Umpire Shirt
A short-sleeved, polo-style athletic jersey in solid navy blue or black, featuring a black collar and white trim on the sleeves.
DIY: Use a plain navy blue or black polo shirt.
Amazon
Black Slacks
Flat-front, straight-leg black athletic or dress pants with a comfortable fit for moving around.
DIY: Any plain black trousers or chinos from your closet.
Amazon
Umpire Cap
A solid black, low-profile baseball cap with a short brim, free of any team logos.
DIY: A plain black baseball cap worn forward or backward.
Amazon
Umpire Mask
A classic black wire-frame face mask with protective padding around the chin and forehead.
Amazon
Pitch Counter / Indicator
A small, handheld plastic clicker used to track balls, strikes, and outs.
Amazon
Black Ball Bag
A small canvas pouch that loops onto your belt to hold extra baseballs.
DIY: A small black fanny pack or canvas pouch clipped to your belt.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Baseball Umpire costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the black slacks and secure them with a sturdy black leather belt.
2
Slip on the navy blue or black umpire polo shirt and tuck it neatly into the pants.
3
Put on black athletic shoes or turf shoes with black socks.
4
Thread the black ball bag onto your belt on your hip.
5
Place the short-brimmed black umpire cap on your head, facing forward.
6
Hold the pitch counter indicator in one hand, ready to click strikes and balls.
7
Carry the wire umpire mask in your hand or wear it pushed up on your head for photos.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair neat and tucked under the umpire cap. No specific makeup is required, but a clean-shaven look or a classic athletic aesthetic fits the role perfectly.

Baseball Umpire for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up with a baseball player, a mascot, or an angry manager kicking dirt at your shoes.
group: Form an entire officiating crew, or pair with a pitcher, catcher, and batter to recreate a home plate play.
kids: A miniature umpire shirt, cap, and a soft foam chest protector make a comfortable and adorable kids' outfit.
Plus size: Look for loose-fitting athletic polo shirts and comfortable stretch-waist black slacks for an easy, breathable fit.
pet: A small black-and-white striped or solid blue pet tee with a tiny soft cap.

Tips

Practice your loud, dramatic 'STRIKE THREE!' yell and punch-out gesture to bring the character to life.
Wear comfortable black sneakers, as you will likely be standing and walking around all night.
Keep the indicator clicker in your pocket or hand; it makes a satisfying clicking sound that is fun to fiddle with.
If wearing the mask, choose one with lightweight padding so it doesn't feel heavy around your neck when resting.

Baseball Umpire costume FAQ

Why do baseball umpires wear blue or black?: Traditionally, umpires wore navy blue (earning them the nickname 'blue') to distinguish themselves from the players. Today, MLB umpires wear either black or navy blue shirts depending on the game setup.
What is the difference between a referee and an umpire costume?: Referees typically wear vertical black-and-white stripes (common in football and basketball), while baseball umpires wear solid-colored collared shirts (usually navy or black) and carry baseball-specific gear like a mask and ball pouch.
What accessories are essential for an umpire costume?: The most essential accessories are a short-brimmed black cap, a handheld ball-and-strike indicator clicker, and a wire umpire face mask.

Did you know? Umpires were traditionally nicknamed 'blue' because navy blue was the standard uniform color for decades, a tradition that began in the early 20th century to give officials a formal, authoritative appearance.