The one day I didn't have my own mask with its separate attachable throat protector, and had to fill in at the plate I took a foul shot to the throat. It dropped me for a few minutes. I had difficulty catching my breath and I was spitting blood. I finished the game with the softest strike and out calls I've ever had.
The x-rays indicated that I was lucky, no permanent damage, but I was sore as hell for a long time. This was perhaps three months ago and my adam's apple region is still a little sensitive to the touch.
There will be those who tell you that as long as you look down at the foul ball you'll close the gap and no ball can get under your mask and you don't need a throat protector.
Maybe.
I won't be without mine again.
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GB
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