View Single Post
  #2 (permalink)  
Old Fri Apr 20, 2007, 11:01am
BigGuy
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Quote:
Originally Posted by MajorDave
Last night I had the dish for a HS varsity game. Pitcher for #5 ranked team in state, per coaches poll, throwing 85 and a little wild. One of his pitches is low and either skips off the plate or dirt and ricochets under the catcher and straight up my chest under my mask. How it got there I will never know, but it was an attempted fastball per my question to catcher after the pitch. It hits the dangler I mount just under and behind the built in extension on my Wilson Chrome Moliben mask. Dangler essentially folds back against my neck effectively blocking the ball from striking my adam's apple/voice box. Dangler stung me a little at a point just above where collarbones join breastbone. I wear Honig's K-1 XL size and the dangler kind of stuck on top of the neck piece that attaches by velcro on the K-1. I pulled the dangler loose, called a ball and both coaches and partner and catcher ask if I am okay. No problem. No mark. No game delay. I hesitate to think what if....? Anyway, many of you say you will never wear one, it looks sissified, etc. Again, what if .....? You grizzled old farts who don't wear one, keep doing what you are doing, it's your health at risk. You younger or newer guys should get one and wear it. I use a 4" honigs attached by velcro straps. Well worth the expense and the inconvenience. Just my two cents and personal story of the moment.
Glad it saved you. I'm sure there are probably those out there that are ignoring the new FED rule this year about protective equipment we must wear as PU. See 10-2-1

SECTION 2 UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF
ART. 1... If there are two or more umpires, the umpire-in-chief shall stand behind the catcher. The umpire-in-chief, when behind the plate, shall wear proper safety equipment including, but not limited to, chest protector, face mask, throat guard, plate shoes, shin guards and protective cup (if male).
Reply With Quote