[DG]

In 17 years I have taken two to the throat. The first was about 5 years ago in a college game. The ball went off the catcher's glove and I got a full shot under my extended frame mask. My throat was sore for 3 weeks.

The other was this year in a college game. The ball bounced under the catcher and hit my shin guard and went straight up and went under my throat guard attached to my extended frame mask. This one was more of a glancing blow. I had a tough time talking for 2-3 daya and a sore throat for 10.

I have 2 masks, actually 3 but I have not used the 3rd one yet. I got it at a bargain price and just couldn't pass it up. One has the throat guard attached and the other does not. Both are extended masks. I guess I am superstitous because the two times I have been hit in the throat were college games so I always wear the one with the throat guard for college games. I sometimes use it for HS games, but I mostly use the other one.

To say it is stupid not to use one, or that it is stupid to use one, is just stupid. Like chest protectors and shin guards, shirts and pants, regular masks and hockey masks, everyone has their preference. To each his own.