I have always wondered about how well this works, in baseball especially. I mean, this statement has logic but is it really true? They would *all* look like they are packing if they have on a cup. Wouldn't they?
And - do other athletes not wear cups?
I know most baseball players do wear cups. There are a few; like third baseman Adrian Beltre; who took a grounder off the groin and was actually out for awhile; pitcher Jake Peavy; and others. I believe some outfielders and pitchers don't simply because they find it uncomfortable and not necessary.
However, there are a few players out there who always seem to be sporting a gigantic cup bulge; moreso than normal. Logic seems to dictate that if a person has large equipment, they would need to have a large cup.
Also, I do believe that in most other sports, aside from hockey, boxing and cricket, there are no cups worn. I've heard of some high school and college football players using a cup; most often what's called a soft cup or a "flexcup." However, that is rare. I know at the pro level, most guys do not use any protection down there whatsoever, and when there's a pileup for a fumble or loose ball, there's a lot of grabing, gouging and biting going on.