Joe West 5,000th Career Game umpire chest protector

Date2017 June 20

DescriptionBlack chest protector with associated side ribcage and shoulder pads. Chest, ribcage and shoulder pads are covered in black synthetic fabric. There is a front main padded area with two smaller distinct consecutive pads attached on either side to protect the ribcage. There is a shoulder pad on either side at the top. All padded areas are covered on the front with separate black plastic plates attached to the pads with black hook-and-loop straps for size adjustment. There is a large yellow "W" and an MLB logo in the center of the top front place. "WV / The West Vest / by Wilson" with patent information is in yellow lettering on the lower front plate. Back side of the chest protector has black elastic straps to secure the chest protector to the wearer. There is a horizontal lower strap which extends around and is connected to the lower front plastic plate with metal buckles. Attached to the horizontal lower strap is an A-shaped foam strap with yellow detailing, an MLB logo, "Joe West / 22" in yellow lettering and "WV / THe West Harness by Ump Life" in yellow lettering at the peak of the A-shape. Above this foam strap are vertical black elastic straps in a V-shape attached to the upper neckline of the chest protector with black plastic buckles for size adjustment.

Bio/Historical NoteWest designed the West Vest, which became a standard piece of equipment for many umpires.

Object numberB-2020-0185-02

Artist, Creator, or Manufacturer Wilson Sporting Goods Company

Artist, Creator, or Manufacturer West, Joe, 1952-

Subject West, Joe, 1952-

Attributes

Classificationssports and athletic equipment

Dimensionsw x h x d: 25 x 18.5 x 3.5 in.

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