Hopefully not hijacking the thread, but seems relatively on-topic: Do you all wear shin guards as well? Are there any that are really light weight/easy for parents to slap on quick?
I do. For god's sake, do it. Even once the pitches hit 40mph they hurt like a mofo when you catch one in the ankle. Ugh. I have scar tissue. I have a pretty standard pair of Wilson shin guards on long term loan from a buddy. They're light and you have like 4 hooks on each. you can have them on in 20 seconds. I've sooo many times just say "nah" and went without the guards and ended up regretting it.
One night she threw with some 4/10-ish drop spin and it caught the turf short of the plate and changed direction as soon as it hit the turf. caught me right in the shin muscle and partially on the tibia. It sound like someone getting slapped in the face with a raw chicken breast. I dramatically fell out of the chair and just laid on my side like a big baby. A buddy of mine took one to the ankle when he got buttonhooked into catching for a HS pitcher who was sharing his MS daughter's lesson. I don't think he ever even played baseball. He was hit so hard that his lower leg turned bright yellow. It was nasty, and he limped for a week.
Shin guards, and shoes with a hard toe. Don't wear mesh running shoes. Wear some turf cleats or work boots or something. You can lose a toenail.