It used to be that National League umpires wore chest protectors similar to those worn by catchers, and American League umpires used the outside chest protectors with arms straps that was like a big pad.

During the Angels - Red Sox game tonight I noticed that the American League umpires had the regular chest protectors.  Does anyone know when this changed?

Up until 2000, there were umpires unique to each league. Since then, all umpires come under Major League baseball and call games in both leagues. C.B. Bucknor, who called home plate last night, originally began in 1996 as a National League ump, hence the inside chest protector.

Guys I am an umprie.  Not MLB but I work college and high school.  

It is true that all MLB umpires are under one governing body now.  Used to be NL and AL umpires.  

The "outside" chest protector you are referring to is called a "balloon".  The balloon hasn't been used by anyone in quite sometime.  Technology has changed in umpire equipment just like any other industry.  Not trying to act like a jerk here, but no self-respecting umpire would use a balloon today.  If you see someone using this at any level of baseball, they are a hack and don't know what they are doing.

Now that I think of it, I haven't seen the "old fashioned" type of external protector in quite a while (I watch American League games).

I am a professional umpire (no, not major league), and no one has worn the old outside chest protectors in DECADES!  I'd have to recheck but I'd feel confident in saying it's been at least 25 years!

I'll spare you the red angry icon, but I seriously doubt that you know what you're talking about.  First off, most sporting goods companies don't sell ANY umpire's equipment and not at the retail level!  Oh, there are sporting goods companies that do.  And as an umpire, I know ALL the ones in my area (which for me is Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, Raleigh & Cary, NC & is a pretty big fucking area) that sell umpire's gear.  I prefer to buy my gear SIGHT SEEN which means I rarely order something, so I get my stuff retail.  Besides, there are no real discounts available by ordering.  I've yet to see the EXTERNAL chest protectors you're referring to, nor have I or any of the guys I work with (a large number) even heard of them being available or anyone using them.  If I ever saw an ump using one I'd laugh at his face.  Dude, this dinosaur equipment went extinct decades ago!

Well said, Shane.