Should you wear a protective cup? - Baseball Insider (2024)

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Many baseball players do wear jockstraps or compression shorts with a built-in cup for protection during games. The cup is designed to protect the genital area from injury due to impact or collision with the baseball or other players. However, some players may choose to wear other forms of protective gear or choose not to wear any protection at all. Ultimately, it is up to the individual player to decide what type of protective gear they feel most comfortable wearing.

Baseball is a beloved American pastime that has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. From Babe Ruth‘s legendary home runs to Derek Jeter’s iconic flip play, the sport is full of exciting moments that keep fans coming back for more. However, baseball is also a physically demanding sport that requires players to take precautions to protect themselves from injury. One such precaution is wearing protective gear, including jockstraps and cups. In this article, we’ll explore the answer do baseball players wear jockstraps, their importance in preventing injury. So, let’s dive into the world of baseball and its protective gear!

Should you wear a protective cup? - Baseball Insider (1)

The history of jockstraps, cups and protective gear in baseball:

In baseball, jockstraps and protective gear have been used for a long time and have an interesting past. When baseball was first played in the middle of the 19th century, players didn’t have special gear to keep them safe. But as the game got more famous and the style of play has changed with pitch speeds and hit speeds being way faster it became clear that they needed gear to keep the crown jewels of the player safe.

At the beginning of the 20th century,

Baseball players started wearing jockstraps. These were originally made for bikers to protect their genitalia and keep them from rubbing against each other. As soon as baseball players started wearing jockstraps, they learned that the gear helped them in other ways, like giving them support and keeping them safe while they played. By the 1920s, baseball players and athletes in other sports all used jockstraps as a standard piece of gear.

Over time, jockstraps have changed so that they meet the needs of baseball players better. During the 1940s and 1950s, cups were added to jockstraps to cover the genitalia even more. At first, the cups were made of leather or metal, but now they are made of plastic or foam, which are lighter weight, more flexible and soft.

Even now, jockstraps and cups are an important part of a baseball player’s safety gear. They protect you from major injuries caused by falls and collisions and give you support and comfort when you’re working out hard. In addition to jockstraps and cups, players may also wear compression shorts or sliding shorts to protect their hips and legs.

The importance of wearing protective gear in baseball to prevent injury:

In baseball, it is very important to wear safety gear to keep from getting hurt. Baseball is a sport that requires a lot of physical effort. Players run, jump, slide, and throw, all of which can lead to injuries. Protective gear is made to lower the chance of getting hurt and lessen the intensity of injuries that do happen.

Wearing safety gear can also help keep you from getting hurt from overuse or doing the same thing over and over again. For example, compression shorts or sliding shorts can support and squeeze the hips and legs, making it less likely that the muscles will pull or strain. As well they provide protection from raspberries and other road rash type injuries from sliding and diving on the field.

It’s important to remember that protective gear can cut the risk of injury by a lot. But it can’t fully eliminate it. Even with safety gear, injuries can still happen, especially if the gear isn’t worn right or if it gets damaged or worn out. Also, safety gear only works if it is checked regularly and changed when it wears out.

In baseball, you can’t say enough about how important it is to wear safety gear. Protective gear reduces the chance of getting hurt and lessens the intensity of injuries that do happen. Players in baseball should be careful to choose and wear protective gear that fits well. The gear needs to be in good shape and gives them the right amount of support and security.

The different type of baseball gear to protect your manhood, including jockstraps, cups, compression shorts, and sliding shorts:


Baseball players have a lot of choices for protective gear that can help them avoid getting hurt on the field. Here are some of the ways that baseball players can protect themselves:

Jockstraps:

A jockstrap is a type of underwear that supports and protects the groin area. Most of the time, it is worn with a cup, which adds extra safety against falls. Check out our favorite jockstrap on Amazon. This one comes with a cup included but can be purchased without if you prefer a different cup to wear. It is the Shock Doctor Jock Strap“>Shock Doctor Jock Strap Supporter with BioFlex Cup Included.

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Shock Doctor Jock Strap

Cups:

A cup is a hard or soft shell that is worn inside a jockstrap to protect the genital area. Cups are made to absorb and spread the force of hits. It makes it less likely that someone will get hurt seriously. I also like the Shock Doctor Cup“>Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Carbon Flex Athletic Cup for Sports, Protective Cup for Baseball. They make a great cup which is comfortable and very protective using carbon fiber. They come in a variety of sizes to make sure you can have one that is comfortable while also protective.

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Shock Doctor Cup

Compression shorts:

Compression shorts are shorts that fit close to the body and support and squeeze the hips and legs. They can help keep muscles from getting pulled or strained. If you are looking for a true compression short without the padding of sliding shorts check out the Compression Short“>Youper 2-Pack Adult Compression Shorts w/Cup Pocket, Men’s Athletic Supporter for Baseball. It includes a cup pocket and doesn’t have the added padding if you would rather. Great for pitchers or players who aren’t sliding and diving too much.

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Compression Short

Sliding shorts:

When players slide on the field, sliding shorts are meant to protect the hips and legs. Most of the time, they have padding on the sides to help take some of the contact force. I am a big advocate of sliding shorts because it offered all the protection and were very comfortable. I liked the Youper Sliding Shorts“>Youper Adult Elite Compression Padded Sliding Shorts w/Protective Athletic Cup for Baseball. It provided enough protection but wasn’t too bulky that I felt restricted.

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Youper Sliding Shorts

Baseball players can use many different kinds of protective gear, such as jockstraps, cups, compression shorts, sliding shorts. Getting the right protective gear for your needs and place on the field can help keep you safe during games and practices and lower your risk of getting hurt. Check out some the the different styles and options below.

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Should you wear a protective cup? - Baseball Insider (7)

Buy from Amazon

The role of protective gear in different positions on the baseball field:

Each position on the baseball field carries different types and levels of risk for getting injured. We will break down the groups of positions and whether we believe protection for your manhood is necessary or not.

Catcher:

Catchers face the highest risk of injury due to their position behind the plate, where they are exposed to fast-moving balls and swinging bats. As a result, catchers wear some of the most comprehensive protective gear in baseball, including a helmet with a face mask, a chest protector, shin guards. On top of all this protective equipment it is imperative that a catcher wheres some sort of equipment that can hold a protectice cup. They are the most common to take a bad hop or foul tip right between the legs.

Infielders:

Infielders play close to the action and are at risk of being hit by balls that take a bad hop or even a line drive that is too fast. As a result, infielders I highly recommend they follow the catchers lead and wear some genital protection. A sliding short would also be recommended for players who tend to dive around the infield dirt to add some extra protection.

Outfielders:

They have a lower risk of injury compared to infielders and catchers since they play on grass which is typically more favorable and has less errant hops. I played centerfield mainly and still wore sliding shorts and a protective cup, but outfield would be the one position that is not a necessity. If you decide you want the extra protection be sure to find something that won’t restrict your speed so you can still track down the long fly balls.

Pitchers:

Pitchers are the toughest to get the right cup and equipment. It is very important with line drives and quick one hoppers be hit back at the pitcher from only 60 feet away. However, pitchers do not want to impair their motion and mobility that would cause them to not be able to deliver their best pitches. You should focus on finding something comfortable that offers protection but you don’t even know you’re wearing it.

The debate over whether or not baseball players should be required to wear protective gear:

The question of whether or not baseball players should have to wear safety gear is still being talked about. People who want to require safety gear say that it can help keep players from getting hurt badly and keep them safe on the field. They say that it has been shown that protective gear greatly lowers the chance of head injuries, facial injuries, and other common types of injuries in baseball. They also say that since baseball is a physical sport, players should take precautions to avoid getting hurt.

On the other hand, people who don’t want safety gear to be required say that it can be uncomfortable and limit a player’s movement. This can affect how well they play on the field. They also say that it should be up to each person to decide if they want to wear protective gear since they know their bodies and what works best for them. Some opponents also say that having protective gear could change how the game is played. Because players might feel more invincible and take more risks, which could lead to more injuries.

Some groups may require certain safety gear, like helmets, but in the end, it’s up to each player to decide what they want to wear on the field. But it’s important for players to know what could happen if they don’t wear protection gear so they can make smart choices about what to wear on the field.

FAQ:

Do all baseball players have to wear protective gear?

While there is no universal requirement for all baseball players to wear protective gear, many leagues and teams require certain types of gear, such as helmets for batters and catchers, in order to reduce the risk of injury.

What is the most important piece of protective gear in baseball?

Helmets are arguably the most important piece of protective gear in baseball. They help protect the head and reduce the risk of concussion or other head injuries.

Do pitchers need to wear protective gear?

While pitchers are not required to wear protective gear, some choose to wear a helmet or other gear to protect themselves from line drives or other hard-hit balls.

Can protective gear guarantee that a player won’t get injured?

While protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of injury, it cannot guarantee that a player won’t get injured. Players still need to take precautions and play the game safely to avoid injury.

How should I choose the right protective gear for me?

It’s important to choose protective gear that is comfortable and fits properly. You may need to try on different types of gear and sizes to find what works best for you. You should also look for gear that is made from high-quality materials and meets safety standards.

Do professional baseball players wear jockstraps?

Yes, many professional baseball players choose to wear jockstraps or other types of protective cups to protect their genital area while playing.

Can I use the same protective gear for multiple sports?

While some protective gear may be suitable for multiple sports, it’s important to make sure that it is designed for the specific sport you are playing and meets the safety standards for that sport. Using gear that is not designed for a specific sport can increase the risk of injury.

Conclusion:

In baseball, safety gear is important because it can help keep players from getting hurt badly. Players can choose from different kinds of protected gear, such as a jockstrap, a cup, compression shorts, or sliding shorts. Even though all baseball players don’t have to wear safety gear, many leagues and teams do. For example, batters and catchers have to wear helmets. But it’s up to each player to decide whether or not to wear safety gear. No matter if protective gear is needed or not, it’s important for players to think carefully about what they wear and put safety first on the field.

Read more:

Can you play baseball with a broken finger?

Do all baseball players wear cups?

Should you wear a protective cup? - Baseball Insider (2024)

FAQs

Are you supposed to wear a cup in baseball? ›

But anyone who plays high-contact sports, regardless of their sex assigned at birth, can wear groin protection every time they play if they're worried about injury. “Cups lower the risk of injuries by protecting the groin from an impact with a ball, puck or another person,” says Slocombe.

At what age should baseball players wear a cup? ›

No parent wants to see their son injured on the field. But, it is hard to know at what age young boys should start wearing a cup. Most youth baseball leagues recommend that cups be worn at every age group, however, once your son reaches elementary school, the athletic cup often is required equipment.

How do you wear a baseball protective cup? ›

So, how to wear a cup? To put the cup in, slide it into the pocket on the front of the supporter with the narrow end facing down. Once it's in place, adjust until it fits comfortably over the penis and testicl*s.

Do catchers need a cup? ›

Catchers must wear catcher's helmet (with face mask and throat guard), chest protector, and shin guards. Male catchers must wear a protective supporter and cup at all times.

Do sports players wear cups? ›

Is it necessary to wear a cup when playing sports? Depends on the sport. I did or still do for Hockey, Baseball and Ski Racing but didn't for Wrestling or Golf.

Do female baseball players wear cups? ›

Same with sports like hockey, softball/baseball, and anything with a fast moving puck or ball. Research has shown that many female athletes do not use pelvic protection, know the options for it, or even if they need it. Women may feel “less exposed” than men, and therefore not at serious risk.

What is a nutty buddy cup? ›

NuttyBuddy Flex

Originally designed for MMA fighters, this cup is designed for even more comfort and flexibility. If you are running hard, crossing over, and/or spend time on your back buy this cup.

Do MLB umpires wear a cup? ›

Umpires, by occupation, need an umpire cup and/or cup system that allows for the greatest mobility for squatting, standing and running to get in position down the line.

Why can't baseball players wear 42? ›

Number 42 had been retired for all Major League Baseball teams. This meant that no future Major League Baseball player could wear it. The number was retired in a ceremony which took place in 1997 at Shea Stadium to mark the 50th anniversary of Robinson's first game with the Dodgers.

Should little leaguers wear cups? ›

Boys should wear an athletic supporter or compression shorts under their sweatpants and baseball pants. If your son is a catcher, it is mandatory he wear a protection cup. Giving your Little Leaguers time to practice with the gear they'll be using in their games will get them comfortable and ready to play.

Do boys need to wear cups? ›

A: It is very important for boys to wear an athletic cup to protect their groin area from blunt trauma injuries when playing sports. Any fast-moving kick, ball or helmet that hits a boy in the groin area can cause serious damage, including severe bruising, internal bleeding, testicular fracture or rupture.

Do all baseball players wear protective cups? ›

The catcher will also have protective equipment, including a helmet, facemask, throat guard, chest-protector, protective cup (this is NOT optional) and shin guards. All other male players should consider wearing a protective cup, especially those in contact with the ball and sliding opponents often (i.e infielders).

How do I choose a protective cup? ›

Select your cup based on your waist size.

Go to an athletic or sporting goods store. Look for a cup that corresponds with your waist size. If they don't list the waist sizes on the packaging, use the general sizing recommendations to get a size that will fit you.

How does a baseball cup stay in place? ›

You can wear this with three different types of supporters that can be compression shorts, jock straps, or there are certain specialized impact shorts as well. Typically, they'll include a pocket that is designed to hold the cup in place.

What does cupping do for baseball? ›

For athletes who have been diagnosed with a specific injury or have had to undergo a surgical process, cupping therapy can be used to help their body heal faster. Cupping can even be used to help decrease an athlete's recovery time after they have undergone strenuous training.

Do you have to wear a cap in baseball? ›

(No pun intended.) As the official MLB rules state, "No player whose uniform does not conform to that of his teammates shall be permitted to participate in a game." So if one player wears a cap, all players must wear a cap. (Suffice to say, players usually wear caps.)

Should you wear glasses in baseball? ›

It's also important to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, which can cause UV damage to the eyes. With sports glasses and goggles for baseball, fit under helmet, catcher's mask, and even under your hat or visor, can make a difference to comfort and performance.

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