[Kevin Finnerty]

I thought of another: I didn't see it happen, but I got the story from many brothers, and the guy himself: The single most athletic and youthful and skillful umpire in our local JUCO and H.S. associations got drilled in the thigh by a ball that glanced off the pitcher's foot. He had a bruise the size of a football. A few inches up and he loses or bruises a jewel. He's an ex-D-I and professional player and was extremely proud of his mobility and skills---until he got drilled by a ricochet. He also never wore a cup on the bases---until he got drilled by a ricochet.

I just can't imagine a single benefit to going without one on the bases. A barely discernible degree of added comfort is worth risking one of the most painful injuries one can suffer on a diamond?? ... I simply don't relate to that level of totally needless risk-taking.