I had believed I could shield those balls with my hand. I have been hit once just about 2 inches bellow belt without wearing cup. It was high ball tipped down. Result was 15 minutes delay in game and next 20 hours in pain. I am playing besaball without cup (even warmup catching), practising karate without cup but I will never ever again umpire without the cup. Believe me.
BTW consider
http://www.lestersupstatesports.com/ Good price, nice people.
[Edited by Roman Konecny on Mar 8th, 2005 at 05:01 AM]