Gary Cederstrom - Padres vs. Cardinals

[mrm21711]

I couldnt believe this...what is that around his neck? Looks like a dog collar.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/photo?sl...ali115&prov=ap

[briancurtin]

hes wearing a hockey mask, so it only makes sense to wear the hockey throat protector extension.

hockey side note: i just found out the other day that hockey playoffs are still going on. who knew?

[TussAgee11]

I did....

[jdmara]

That is a first time seeing that for me. It's probably in reaction to the incident earlier this year with the umpire taking a pitch off the neck

-Josh

[danreeves1973]

Seeing the ump get knocked out earlier this season has really gotten me to thinking about looking into a hockey style. Also i took my first in the throat below my mask this year, probably more of a motivator.

My question is would the hockey style offer more protection on the lower jaw, side of throat area and would the extended throat protector be needed?

[Rich]

I wonder if any of the powers that be have, in a weak moment, contemplated what umpiring would've been like had the balloon protector won.

EDITED to add: I know it wouldn't eliminate all the head injuries, but the gap between the bottom of the mask and the top of the chest protector would be eliminated. Also, there's no reason a balloon umpire would have to work over top the catcher, as in the old AL days. An umpire could just as easily be in the slot with the protector using a wide stance to get the same height.

[umpduck11]

Originally Posted by briancurtin

hes wearing a hockey mask, so it only makes sense to wear the hockey throat protector extension.

hockey side note: i just found out the other day that hockey playoffs are still going on. who knew?

The groundhog saw his shadow, so six more weeks of hockey !

[ILRef80]

I too have thought about going with the hockey style mask. It seems like once or twice a year, for some reason, I'll turn my head ever so slightly at a pitch that is fouled back near my head. I know it's a bad habit and it rarely happens, but it only takes one accident for a serious injury to occur.