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Originally Posted by UmpTTS43
I have only been hit in the throat area twice, which was a result of foul balls coming up underneath my mask. In both cases, I dont believe that the protector would have prevented this. To this day I do not wear one. I find them cumbersome.
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Year 1, I took a shot directly between the chestbone and the neckbone that left bruising and pain to the touch below. Didn't take long to realize I needed a better chest protection. Same year, an umpire busted his "cup" and another his collar bone. Same year, SB ump in wide stance took several shots to the cup over the course of several 13-15 yo. games after I was worked the plate earlier w/11-12 yo. Convinced me to keep my legs together and allow the shin guards to do what the shin guards should do.
Same year I took several foul balls off the extended throat guard. I felt it act as a lever. The top of my mask would fly forward as the throat guard bounced innocently off the chest protector. Then the padding at the top of the mask would slam harmlessly back into my forehead. Didn't take long to convince self that this event was much more preferable than the one below. I have taken several bad shots off the west vest gold. I felt them scare the hell out of me. This was usually followed by the batter or catcher asking me if I ws okay. It left me smiling from the "rush" in the brain which was also asking self, Are you okay? Are you really okay?