Smitty, stupid, or both?

[umpire_scott]

So today I witnessed two umpires doing a 14U tournament game sans chest protectors. I was incredulous as I recalled the knot i had on my sternum for two weeks after taking a foul ball WITH a chest protector in a 15U game.  Their explanation was that it's was much cooler.  As I was leaving the ballpark their last game was still going on and I noticed the umpire crouched almost completely out of sight behind the catcher.

[BRUMP]

Stupid

[CentralOhioUmp30]

Early on in my umpiring career I worked 9 and 10U games without leg guards and plate shoes. Always worked with a chest protector and mask. I mean, I wear a WVG in 90+ degree days and I'm perfectly fine temperature wise. I've always recommended umpires get some Under Armour Heatgear or Nike Pro Combat clothing and do a job.

[NCAAump2]

I've never, nor would I ever, work a game without a chest protector, I don't care how hot it is.

[MB_Ump]

Chest protectors, like masks and cups, are for woosies. Pain don't hurt, just reminds you that you are alive.

[T-Rav]

Who needs a chest protector when you can hide behind the catcher? 

 

Next time we need pictures.

[mjr_2013]

(Knock on wood) heat has never been an issue for me... I've done games in full gear with 95 degree heat without flinching. I finish and I'm sitting in the car with the AC on and I'll go, "... Damn, that was hot!" as almost a realization for the first time... I know I really should, but I don't even bring a water or gatorade to the field unless I know it's going to be above 80 or so with humidity.

[BigUmpire]

(Knock on wood) heat has never been an issue for me... I've done games in full gear with 95 degree heat without flinching. I finish and I'm sitting in the car with the AC on and I'll go, "... Damn, that was hot!" as almost a realization for the first time... I know I really should, but I don't even bring a water or gatorade to the field unless I know it's going to be above 80 or so with humidity.

You must be young.

[cyclonehokiece]

Sounds like a death wish to me.

[mstaylor]

Just plain stupid. 

[bleacher_bum]

Somewhat a form of lazy imo.  Were they wearing shorts as well?

[carolinablue]

That is Smitty, Stupid and both.

[treydawgmt]

 

(Knock on wood) heat has never been an issue for me... I've done games in full gear with 95 degree heat without flinching. I finish and I'm sitting in the car with the AC on and I'll go, "... Damn, that was hot!" as almost a realization for the first time... I know I really should, but I don't even bring a water or gatorade to the field unless I know it's going to be above 80 or so with humidity.

You must be young.

 

 

Yes, you must be young!  10 years ago when I umpired the first time, I didn't bring water.  Now I bring water even if it's 50 degrees out!

 

As to the OP, yes, it's STUPID.  Like others have said, I use a WVP and did multiple games in 104 degree temps, 90's plus on the humidity last year, and I survived just fine.  It was hot, yes, but not unworkable.

[Jesse]

You've gotta beat the heat somehow. These guys must be ahead of the curve. 

[Les-Aussie-Ump]

They must breed them TUFF in that part of the country................. Oh and STUPID

[Stan W.]

clearly BOTH............

[Specks]

Smitty at first, stupid if later, but how long have they been umpiring? When I first started and was doing 9u I didn't wear plate shoes, I don't recall getting hit but as I gained experience I realized it was stupid and was a matter of when not if and when I got hit I could be hurt and out of work (no AFLAC duck for me). Now I'm (hopefully) experienced enough to make my safety a priorty.

[umpcoachfather]

wait till they pop a collar bone.