I work both baseball and softball. Having spent several hundred dollars on gear, I WEAR ALL OF IT, ALWAYS.
But less I mislead you, I don't wear it because I spent the money on it. I wear it because I don't want to get hurt. Despite what anybody might say, that ball is not under control. There is someone between me and the pitcher swinging at it and changing it's direction. High school pitchers are completely capable of breaking collar bones, wrists etc. My 10 year-old could probably break something on me with a baseball. I wear my gear. I shake my head at those idiots that don't, and never fail to tell them the obvious mistake they are making.
I don't play Russian Roulette and I feel naked when riding in someone's car if the seatbelts don't work.
For anybody that needs to listen: buy good gear and wear it.
