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I learned my lesson about not wearing equipment in the first few games I umped. First night, 10U game, didnt wear a cup and even before first pitch of game I got nailed. Talking to UIC at backstop, pitcher threw wild pitch, catcher missed, hit concrete curbing at base of backstop and nailed me in crotch.
Got hit in top of foot about 2 weeks later with no plate shoes on, and since have been hit in the end of big toe twice. Plate shoes are on order.
Daughter also had to ump one night and she didnt have a chest protector, so I loaned her mine, thought I would be ok in a 10U game since most of them only throw maybe 35. Well, wouldnt you know it, I got the girl that was the exception and was closer to 45-50.
Last week 12U game, first 2 pitchers threw maybe 40 tops. Then the one team brings in thier ace. Big girl, easily throwing 55 or more. Was very surprised at how hard she threw for the age group. Catcher sets up on outside corner first pitch, pitcher misses on inside corner and gets me square in the shin gaurd. In 2 innings, I got hit 3 times in shin gaurd, twice in the foot, and 3 times in the chest protector. I finally asked the catcher what she was doing setting up outside, she said for the outside pitch. I told her, well, in case you havent noticed, she isnt hitting her spot and Im tired of getting beaned.
So, I have quickly learned to wear all of the equipment all of the time. I have gotten beat up more in the little kids games than I have in the older girls games.
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