[Rachel]

If an umpire doesn't wear the proper equipment they need to hide behind the catcher in order to not get hit. How then could they call a consistant strike zone? If you are in the right place you will get hit, that's why you wear the stuff. Unfortunately, sometimes it will hurt even through the pads. I called a college game with a guy that didn't wear even a cup. From the bases all I could see of him was his head peeking out from behind the catcher. Needless to say the coaches were not real happy with the zone. He claimed to be a real tough guy though.