Rubber Balls in the Cage

We do when it's wet, or in the machines (not sure why in the machines... I think because it take so many balls that we wouldn't have enough to fill the other cages if that was using real balls).

any chance of requiring kids to where helmets while in the cage?

Depending on the cage/where a kid is throwing from in the cage. All batters must have helmets, of course. You'd have to see it to understand fully, but basically there are times when the throwers are at more of a risk than at other times. Usually though, helmets are not worn by throwers.

Subject to change to say the least.

Typically the rubber balls were designed for pitching machines..pitching machines tear the cover and stitching off of quality leather baseballs. Any type of RIF or cushioned ball should work fine in a batting cage envirement, Your there to work on your mechanics and timeing, the only drawback is you dont get the feel for the sweetspot of your bat, (mis-hits) batting helmets "should" be mandatory for entry into a cage, and exiting a dugout,to swing... Ive seen more kids hit each other with bats than line drives. Obviously all netting and L-screens should be inspected, From some of the screens I've seen Its been a miracle more kids haven't been seriously injured from BP.

Personaly i think that while in the cage in some situations but not many you should wear helmets but like whats already been said your not in there to just try and crush the ball. It's mechanics and timing and as much repition as you can get. I do agree however that all screens should be inspected on a regular basis so serious injuries can be avoided and nothing as terrible as this happens again.

CHHS Varsity coach has made a decision that all players (including pitchers) will have helmets on at all times in the batting cages. As of 2-26-07.

If you are in the cage you definately should have a helmet on... there are all kinds of crazy ricochets that can happen. We use the rubber dimpled balls because they last forever ... I know it's not quite the same as hitting leather, but you are in a cage and that's not the same as being on a field either.
Good luck to all y'all down there this year and I pray our great sport will have no more tragedies like you guys suffered last week.

Coach Mac at Katy told the boys Monday that anyone using the School cages will be required to wear a helmet in the cage. That includes dads on a Sunday afternoon.