Abstract: A protective garment minimizes injury to the wearer resulting from an impact to the general area of the heart. The garment is particularly adapted for use in sports participation such a little league baseball. The garment includes a shirt having a front side with a pocket on the inside of the shirt disposed in the general area of the heart. An impact resistant laminate is mounted in the pocket to shield the general area of the heart. The impact resistant laminate includes a protective flexible plate and a cushioning structure mounted in front of the plate.