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Ouch, I'm getting a complex here. I don't wear a chest protector, although I do have a K9 protector. I do wear everything else and all of it is some of the best equipment out there.
I actually do line up in the slot and I absolutely do not flinch. I do hurt. But, in my opinion, it just gets too hot down here to wear the chest protector. I'd rather bruise than melt down on the field. I do believe my mechanics are anywhere from pretty darned good to real good. Again, just my opinion. I follow the ASA mechanics all the way and try to get to the State clinics to see how and what they change. I know a couple of other guys who don't wear the chest protector, for the same reason. I'm only aware of one guy who wears nothing at all except the mask and he is considered one of the best, by coaches and umpires. No shin guards, no cup, no steel toed shoes, no chest protector. It's my choice and I don't consider myself any tougher than the next guy. If and when I do get hit in the chest, it's my fault. Can't blame it on anything but myself. It's gonna hurt and I just accept that. I can call with a bruise. I can't call with heat exhaustion. About 8 years ago, in July, I was in Kingsville calling a pretty decent tournament and wore a chest protector. I forgot my water jug and there was nothing in the dugouts. I tried to get my UIC to get my jug out of the truck, about 60 feet from the ball field. He refused. By the end of the game, I was drinking 2 Deja Bleu water jugs each half inning and starting to see spots. By the way, I'll never call a tournament where this guy is the UIC again. That was the last time I ever wore a chest protector.
But I'll say this, I have never questioned or talked about anyone who wears all the gear. It's their choice and I respect that. If I don't and I get hit, I just gotta grit my teeth and act like it doesn't hurt, which we all know better. I don't believe anyone will ever question my mechanics, as far as where I line up behind the plate. I don't cringe, flinch or blink when the ball comes at me and the catcher sets up outside. I never use the catcher as a shield unless she sets up inside.
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Rick
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