Minor league coach killed by line drive

[greymule]

I'm sure some of you have already seen this:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,290335,00.html

With a wood bat!

Makes a great case for converting ALL leagues and levels to wood bat. If they were batting metal, this probably would have decapitated him!

[justanotherblue]

I've worked in parks when in the middle, it is hard as hell to see the ball coming off the bat. I would bet we all have been chased by those screaming foul balls that keep hooking right for you no matter where you go! When a simple step toward fair ground is all that is needed to avoid it. I can only imagine that he was somewhat distracted upon contact. I feel for his wife and kids.

[tarheelcoach]

One day I was coaching 1B for a 13u travel team when one of big boys ripped one off my shoulder. There was no way I could move in time. Part of the problem was I was down the line and a step out of the box (closest to the plate). Another reason to make sure coaches stay in their boxes!
On another board, a poster brought up the thought that youth leagues may start required coaches to wear helmets when on the field. Interesting thought, especially in the lower levels when you are so close to the plate.

[DonInKansas]

Originally Posted by tarheelcoach

On another board, a poster brought up the thought that youth leagues may start required coaches to wear helmets when on the field. Interesting thought, especially in the lower levels when you are so close to the plate.

If they were hitting the ball as hard as the big boys, that might make sense. But thats why they play on small fields.

Sounds silly to me.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by DonInKansas

If they were hitting the ball as hard as the big boys, that might make sense. But thats why they play on small fields.

Sounds silly to me.

Now you see why I didn't give your lesson in reaction times to you? It would have been deleted as my free offer to educate you was.

Don't worry, I have an entire new post on this which you can be enlightened. Now just sit there and don't go ballistic again and this post of mine you will stick. Get out your 3x5 spiral and sharpen your pencil.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by tarheelcoach

One day I was coaching 1B for a 13u travel team when one of big boys ripped one off my shoulder. There was no way I could move in time. Part of the problem was I was down the line and a step out of the box (closest to the plate). Another reason to make sure coaches stay in their boxes!
On another board, a poster brought up the thought that youth leagues may start required coaches to wear helmets when on the field. Interesting thought, especially in the lower levels when you are so close to the plate.

They make the players when they coach base. Young life loss is more tragic? Maybe. Any life loss is not?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by fitump56

They make the players when they coach base. Young life loss is more tragic? Maybe. Any life loss is not?

Adults are allowed to wear helmets.

The difference isn't the "value" of the life; it's that adults are (generally) considered able to make their own choice while children need to be "forced" to protect themselves.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by justanotherblue

I've worked in parks when in the middle, it is hard as hell to see the ball coming off the bat. I would bet we all have been chased by those screaming foul balls that keep hooking right for you no matter where you go!

On this Forum? Noooo, ask around, there are umpires who have 30+ years and never, ever been hit. Oh, maybe once when the moon pulled the ball into their paths overcoming their superathleticism.