throat guard discussion

[ozzy6900]

I do not use a throat guard. I have an extended guard on the mask and I wear a WVP. I did not cut off the "bump" on the WVP as others have either. There is no way that the ball can get to my throat with the way that I set up.

[nickrego]

I wear an Umpire Style Helmet with that has an extended cage. I also wear a Throat Guard, which I take several hits to each season.

My son wears a Honig's Mask with an extended cage. He did not wear a throat guard, until he got hit in the throat ! He then installed the Throat Guard dad had originally bought him to go with the mask, before his next game.

Use a Throat Guard, no matter what kind of Mask, Helmet, or extended cage you have.

[LLPA13UmpDan]

HSM's are not meant to be worn with a throat guard

[LMan]

Originally Posted by LLPA13UmpDan

HSM's are not meant to be worn with a throat guard

See, Nick, you've been doing it wrong all this time!

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by LLPA13UmpDan

HSM's are not meant to be worn with a throat guard

I don't care what they are meant to be worn with ! (In your opinion.) A helmet doesn't protect your throat any better than a mask. It protects your head better.

The fact of the matter is...The ball can easily get up under your cage, and severely damage your throat.

I primarily work HS Varsity, and Adult baseball. So the catchers I have in front of me, are not good enough for me to go out there with a big hole in my equipment, that leads to such a vulnerable part of my body.

I also don't do this for a living, and don't get paid 6 figures to risk my neck (literally).

So, I recommend wearing a USH (Umpire Style Helmet), since I don't play hockey (HSM = Hockey Style Mask), AND a Throat Guard.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by nickrego

The fact of the matter is...The ball can easily get up under your cage, and severely damage your throat.

I'm curious as to how this can happen if your head is positioned properly. If you want to wear one as an additional safety measure, just say so. But to make the claim that a ball can easily get up under the cage is crying wolf.

Tim.

[ozzy6900]

I agree that if you are properly positioned and set, no ball should get under your mask. Note - this does not pertain to anyone using the scissors. The scissors puts your head out in front of your chest so a ball can sneak right up the "pipe" (windpipe that is).

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

I agree that if you are properly positioned and set, no ball should get under your mask. Note - this does not pertain to anyone using the scissors. The scissors puts your head out in front of your chest so a ball can sneak right up the "pipe" (windpipe that is).

I've seen partners, in a heel/toe stance, take a foul that went off the bat, to the ground and then up under their mask and to the throat, on more than one occasion.

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

I'm curious as to how this can happen if your head is positioned properly. If you want to wear one as an additional safety measure, just say so. But to make the claim that a ball can easily get up under the cage is crying wolf.

Tim.

Hmmm. Looked at yourself (in your stance) in the mirror lately ? Watched someone else in their stance lately ? I wonder why they sell Throat Guards ? I wonder why so many umpires use Throat Guards ? Is it just a great marketing ploy, to sell a totally useless product (like helmets) ?

Unless you stand with your chin on your chest, which I don't using the GD, a ball can easily get under the cage.

Unless...Your belly is far enough out and up to block the ball !

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by nickrego

Hmmm. Looked at yourself (in your stance) in the mirror lately ? Watched someone else in their stance lately ? I wonder why they sell Throat Guards ? I wonder why so many umpires use Throat Guards ? Is it just a great marketing ploy, to sell a totally useless product (like helmets) ?

Unless you stand with your chin on your chest, which I don't using the GD, a ball can easily get under the cage.

Unless...Your belly is far enough out and up to block the ball !

Like I said initially, you're crying wolf. If you want to wear one, go ahead, but don't think for a minute that you're going to sell me or anyone else with experience that a ball can easily get up under your cage. Looking at a helmet like the Wilson Vision, I don't even think they're made to accept the throat guards straps.





Tim.