wearing equipment properly

[CecilOne]

Here are the choices:
a) Being smart, protected and focused
b) Getting hurt
c) Worrying about some nitwit thinking I'm not macho

I think I'll pick "a". Even a quick recovery disrupts your concentration and delays the game. In one HSV game last year, each piece of my equipment took two hits except the right shinguard, but I'll keep wearing it in case I get a bunch of lefty batters.
I have to admit that, being used to LL, I didn't buy a chest protector when I started SB. That is, until I took three in the chest from a pitcher who also shattered a 3/4 inch thick wooden sign with a wild pitch. As to heat, just drink more WATER and don't be a wimp.