Sometimes it just doesn't pay to go to work.
 

This video is from a Spring Training game played on Monday, March 17th: Umpire Had To Be Carted Off The Field After Getting Nailed In The Groin By Brandon Phillips' Line Drive (VIDEO)

MTD, Sr.

Exhibit A in why I always wear a cup, even on the bases.

Me too. You just never know.

Another reason is when I do two-man, I want to be prepared. I've had to go behind the plate a couple of times when my PU partners could no longer continue.

It never ceases to amaze me how many umpires won't wear cups on the bases.

I haven't worn one on the bases in 21 years, been hit 3 times, just don't see the need. In the play in question everything lined up perfectly,and sure it's bad but I bet he wasn't wearing one either

We won't let a kid play infield without one, but we'll stand in the middle of the infield without a glove or a cup.

Yes, but infielders see a ball, line themselves up in front of it and try to field it. We do not.

Only the catcher is required to wear a cup (if male).

I don't wear a cup on bases, never have. Knock on wood, I have never been struck by a batted ball. Maybe my middle infielder experience as a youth gives me the footwork to avoid, as it did to get in front of, back in the day.

I still think I'm pretty light of foot on the field as well. I truly don't worry about getting hit by batted balls much.

Like I said, I wear one primarily for the contingency of having to get behind the plate should my partner bail on me. I've had to go from base to plate in the middle of a game two or three times so far.

For me, wearing one isn't a big deal. I don't experience any discomfort. I wore one all the time in my playing days in multiple sports, so I think nothing of it.