Baseball is an interesting sport to follow, and due to many nuances of it, there are many followers of the game and its players.
But, do baseball players wear cups? I always had this question in mind, as I know many players they do wear, but there are many examples who don’t. So what’s the actual thing?
Honestly speaking there isn’t any mandatory rules to enforce all baseball players to wear cups. It is mostly used by the catchers.
However, like helmets, now it has become a common norm for baseball players to wear an athletic cup. Over the years, athletic cup popularity has increased, and many players are now wearing it to matches and even practices.
A cup is crucial as it provides the required amount of protection to the player’s groin region, protecting it from serious injury and accidents. Though cups are one of the most crucial gears that baseball players must use, many choose not to wear them. Even school and college baseball players avoid using cups.
This piece details the use of athletic cups and covers all pointers that might help you better understand.
Do baseball players wear cups?
All baseball players don’t need to wear cups, and some forgo their use. The cup, i.e., the athletic cup, is primarily worn by all catchers. However, outfielders don’t wear it. According to some statistics, 25% of baseball players don’t wear cups.
As understood by interviewing active and former baseball players, many pitchers also forgo the cup.
Since wearing the cup has not been made mandatory, many players have become comfortable not wearing them. Besides, many players have reported feeling uncomfortable in cups, which may be the reason for not wearing them.
Do pro infielders wear cups?
Yes, most pro infielders wear the cup. However, wearing the cup depends on the fielding position of the players, and it has been observed that 25% of players don’t wear a cup.
The athletic cup is introduced at a very early age, seven years or as the players get involved in the hardcore competition. Besides, whether or not a player will wear a cup depends on a few factors, like their position in the field and comfort level.
What Factors Determine to Wear or Not to Wear a Cup?
An athletic cup is a defense tool that helps protect the private parts of the players from serious injury. Though weaning a cup is not mandatory, players in different positions choose to use or forgo it.
However, whether or not to wear a cup depends on a few considerations.
Do you wear a cup to baseball practice?
Yes. It’s advised to wear the athletic cup under sweatpants or baseball pants to practice. This is especially mandatory for the catchers. Many players even wear compression shorts for this purpose.
Not only does the cup provide protection against accidents, it also lows the players to get comfortable with the gear.
What age should a boy wear a cup for baseball?
It’s important that parents explain the need for groin protection to their kids. However, having said that, cups are not very important in the pre-puberty age. The testicles only start growing in puberty, and that’s when kids involved in baseball require groin protection.
However, a foam cup can be provided from the age of seven, and it’s recommended if the player is participating in vigorous competitions.
Do youth baseball players wear cups?
Though the MLB has not mandated wearing cups at the professional level, it’s essential for Little League players, especially catchers, to wear a cup.
Catchers must wear a cup to protect themselves against deflection from a bad ball causing a serious accident. Next to the catches, first and third basemen are also required to wear cups. In a survey, Less than 13% of the 700 high school and college male athletes who participated didn’t use a cup.
Do female Baseball players wear cups?
Like the men, female baseball players need to protect their groin area during the game. However, female baseball players don’t wear a cup for that purpose. Often the infielders wear a pelvic protector, which works the same way as the cups.
Pelvic protectors are similar to cups but are not that deep. They are tailored for female use and are thus shaped and sized that way.
Benefits of wearing Cups
There are a few benefits of wearing the athletic cup in baseball:
- It provides protection against any injuries on the fields.
- Allows players to focus on the game without worrying about any accidents.
- An athletic cup offers strong protection against crush injuries.
- It eliminates the chance of bouncing.
Is wearing a cup uncomfortable?
According to most users, an athletic cup is not the most comfortable gear. Many players reported that the cup ends up pinching the area it’s supposed to protect and causes a lot of discomfort for the players. Others reported that the cup moves around and therefore fails its purpose to provide protection.
Why Some Baseball Players Don’t Wear Cups?
Many baseball players, around 25%, don’t wear a cup. This is because their position in the field or the game does not require them to wear one. Other players avoid the cup for discomfort.
What Other Things Do Baseball Players Wear to Protect Their Groins?
Many players find the athletic cup uncomfortable and they choose not to wear it.
However, not wearing a cup or any protective gear exposes the players to numerous accidents and injuries.
Groin protection is crucial; thus, other protective gear forms can be considered. Two popular ones are:
- Jockstraps: Like cups, these protective gear provide athletes the same level of protection. Each jockstrap comes with cups, each designed differently for each sport. The baseball cups that come along with jockstraps are pretty hard to provide quality protection.
- Pelvic protector: A pelvic protector is generally used by women athletes. The gear design is made to suit the female frame and is extremely lightweight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What percentage of MLB players wear a cup?
As mentioned earlier, the MLB has not mandated wearing a cup. Players choose whether or not to wear a cup based on their position on the field and comfort level. Around 25% of MLB players do not wear a cup.
Can you wear a cup without a jockstrap?
Yes. Athletic cups and jockstraps are two different pelvic protectors. Athletic cups have a hard outer shell lined with soft padding, which protects the male groin. On the other hand, Jockstraps are athletic supporters similar to underwear.
Conclusion:
The baseball game is quite intense, and the players involved are heavily invested. However, it’s best to keep up the guards for the players since the game is highly competitive.
An athletic cup can be the perfect way of doing that. If it does get uncomfortable, it’s best to opt for other alternatives and not simply discount using one.
