All this talk about protection and over protection and all the while companies like Evo-shield, Franklin etc. are selling their products as fast as they can make them. I am a baseball purest but believe that the athletes that play this sport are stronger, bigger, faster than they ever have been. Thus the reason for the changes that have been made with BBCOR, 100mph batting helmets, along with all the other protective devices on the market. If anything that is a positive to keep players safe I am for it as long as it does not hinder the quality of the game. Play Ball!
quote:Originally posted by Prime9:quote:I'm going to be the one to disagree here. I don't like the helmet for the pitchers. I hate the fact that pitchers get hurt and they take a chance on every pitch but you can't get rid of all the risk that comes with the game.
Coach you are right in that you cannot get rid of all the risk. However, have you never heard of risk management?
I'm not making a case for wearing these things, but if someone decides to err on the side of safety, is there really a problem with that? Someone had to be the first to wear a batting helmet, a hockey mask and so forth. Girl softball pitchers often wear a protective mask.
On this subject; Luis Salazar, a Braves Minor league coach, was struck by a line drive today off the bat of Brian McCann while seated in the dugout. He has been air lifted to the hospital. MLB baseball is late to the party with protective guards in front of the dugouts. I guess it probably isn't worth doing to protect an occasional terrible accident like this.
Who said earlier, we should worry more about Pitcher TJ and shoulder surgeries since they occur more frequently. Hmmm, have any of those proved to be life altering?
Where was he standing? Was he in a defensive position to protect himself?
My husband got hit with a shot during spring training many years ago (batting practice), smashed his eye socket, lost sight for awhile. He was standing at the first base line trying to get autographs.
There are definetly risks associated with the game and watching. What happened yesterday has nothing to do with a pitcher that has been taught to square up in the defensive position.
JMO.
I find interesting, the same people who cry protection are the same people that brag their kids play up, play with better stronger players so they will be better prepared as a player. Those that also cry protection were the ones who spent lots of bucks on those rocket launchers so their hitters could launch lots of home runs.
This scenerio presents a HUGE risk for injury.
I have no problem with helmets for the younger pitcher who has yet to learn all the skills necessary to be a better pitcher.
I am with JBB, the bigger fish fried is the new bat regulations.
This scenerio presents a HUGE risk for injury.
I have no problem with helmets for the younger pitcher who has yet to learn all the skills necessary to be a better pitcher.
I am with JBB, the bigger fish fried is the new bat regulations.
Please pass the Wood.