[RPatrino]

I was once working with a real talented young umpire, who I thought had real potential. I strongly suggested he invest in some plate shoes, and lose the baseball cleats he was using along with the guards attached to his shin guards (which only covered the top of his feet, not his toes).

Well long story short, a direct hit and two broken toes later, this young man no longer umpires. Oh, he tried after his toes healed, but he became a 'dancer', bailing out on anything in the dirt. His game was ruined out of fear of another injury.

Don't skimp on protection.