Let me add my voice to those that wear all the gear, all the time....

When I first started out, I had some old timers tell me that it was macho to go without the chest protector, so I tried it. I found that I was more worried about not getting hit than in calling balls and strikes accurately.

I have also been told by a doctor that it only takes about 40 lbs of force to snap the collarbone...I don't know how much force the pitched or fouled ball has, but my guess is that it's a lot more than 40 lbs!

Put me on the list of being over macho and STUPID during my 1st year. I was doing the full gauntlet of games including men's fastball with only mask, cup and hockey shin pads.
Never took any shots to the chest or shoulders but took a couple real good shots to the upper shin that put me down for a bit, that's when I decided to get proper shin pads. During the off season I was checking out a used sport equipment store for shin pads and they happened to have an old chest protector for $5.00 so I thought i would spend the money. What a difference in feeling comfortable, never again will I be behind the plate without proper protection. Now I wonder how consistant my strike zone was as I've worked games with other PUs who refuse to wear protection and I can see the inconsistance in their strike zone because of their moving around, or moving their legs.

Dale

When I started umpiring I asked an old pro if he wore a cup on the bases. His response was "Son, I wear a cup if I go watch a ball game." :cool:

not wearing protective gear is not macho - its dumb

"Hiding behind the catcher"--I must have missed that position when going thru training...sure seems safer than "work the slot".

Was F1's father working the radar gun?

Could be. And maybe he worked for NASA (programming the radar gun in KPH, but giving the answers as MPH).