Annual throat guard topic

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by SAump

After all, if the base coaches are fined for not wearing batting helmets, should all MLB catchers and umpires have to wear throat guards?

Why?

[SAump]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Why?

Testimony before Congress?
Perhaps our society has been "anesthetize" by violent cartoons such as the Bugs Bunny Show?

I thought there was video of a MLB catcher hit in the throat, immediately collapsing to the ground, and grasping for air.
Sometimes, I feel the person realizes just how bad things are when onlookers only have a weak clue?

2007 JV game, I had a pitched ball glance off the batter {HBP} and strike my chest protector, then rebound into my mask with such force that the ball knocked the mask aside and struck me in the chin. Didn't take seconds to think about how much that would have hurt had my chin been up.
2007 TX HS playoff game, catcher wearing HSM {w/or w/out dangling throat guard, I can't remember now}. Pitch in the dirt, catcher's attempt to block the pitch is successful. Game is delayed 5-10 minutes while catcher regains his composure after being struck in the throat while medical attendant stands by to help.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by SAump

Testimony before Congress?
Perhaps our society has been "anesthetize" by violent cartoons such as the Bugs Bunny Show?

I thought there was video of a MLB catcher hit in the throat, immediately collapsing to the ground, and grasping for air.
Sometimes, I feel the person realizes just how bad things are when onlookers only have a weak clue?

2007 JV game, I had a pitched ball glance off the batter {HBP} and strike my chest protector, then rebound into my mask with such force that the ball knocked the mask aside and struck me in the chin. Didn't take seconds to think about how much that would have hurt had my chin been up.
2007 TX HS playoff game, catcher wearing HSM {w/or w/out dangling throat guard, I can't remember now}. Pitch in the dirt, catcher's attemp to block the pitch is successful. Game is delayed 5-10 minutes while catcher regains his composure after being struck in the throat while medical attendant stands by to help.

I grant you that getting hit in the throat is no picnic. I got a call to fill in on a game once on my way home from school. I hadn't planned on working and though I had my unis in the car, I didn't have my gear. I worked the plate with borrowed gear that inculded a mask without an extended throat guard.

I took a foul to the Adam's Apple and went down. I got up, and finished the game occasionally spitting blood.

I went to the ER on my way home and was admitted. Short version...no permanent damage but one of the worst and longest lasting sore throats I've ever had.

My question of "why?" was directed at the link you made between coaches and what they do and umpires and what they do. I don't think you have A = B there.

[DonInKansas]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Why?

The same reason MLB base coaches have to wear batting helmets.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by DonInKansas

The same reason MLB base coaches have to wear batting helmets.

Oh.....throat guards prevent you from getting hit in head while you're in the coach's box. cool.

[charliej47]

Oz, For years I wore the standard mask. Once the batter took a golf swing at a ball and it came up hit my shoulder, the ball came under the mask at the side. It caught me on the side of the face and I lost two teeth. I was in the slot in the scissor position. I got the protector and started using it and got hit again almost the same way on the other side of my face and lost one tooth.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by charliej47

Oz, For years I wore the standard mask. Once the batter took a golf swing at a ball and it came up hit my shoulder, the ball came under the mask at the side. It caught me on the side of the face and I lost two teeth. I was in the slot in the scissor position. I got the protector and started using it and got hit again almost the same way on the other side of my face and lost one tooth.

Now I understand! I just could not picture what happened. I think that you may have been too deep in the slot for this to happen.