Seeing J.A. Happ getting hit by the line drive last night got me thinking, the base coaches are required to wear helmets, but why not pitchers.
Seeing J.A. Happ getting hit by the line drive last night got me thinking, the base coaches are required to wear helmets, but why not pitchers.
My wife was asking me that exact thing last night. I told her that they should...but they won't because it won't look cool.
George Anderson (05-08-2013)
Sadly I think it will take somebody getting killed before they mandate it.
There is probably a new type of helmet that could be developed for pitchers. I think you would want front side protection but could possible have a less structured top. I wouldn't be surprised if someone comes up with something that ends up being effective but quite different looking.
Redeyecat (05-08-2013)
I think you will see base coach type helmets eventually make it in the game for fielders. A local travel team in my area has been wearing them in the field for as long as I can remember. John Olerud used to wear one in the field, although I believe that was due to an aneurysm he had while in college. Doctors recommended he wear protective head gear while in the field.
There is not much of a downside to it other than maybe comfort and I guess possibly the bill causing issues when you dive for a ball and it hits the ground. Although that would not be much different than a batting helmet and a head first slide.
About 6 years ago, we played a Canadian traveling team that wore the field helmets. It was mandatory for them, and while it looked a little different at first, it didn't bother them at all.
Pitchers should probably wear not only helmets but some form of basic face-guard as well.
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moewan (05-08-2013)
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