Traditional vs Hockey Style Mask

[bossman72]

Thanks everybody for your input. Tee, I'll ask some of my MiLB friends if they have any insight as to the HSM ban.

Really, I'm looking for the "concussion" protection as opposed to the "top of the cage rebound" protection. I'd say I work about 50/50 on fields with overhang cages (not very good varsity and men's league fields around here). I guess it will only take one shot off the cage to change my mind though!

[Altor]

Originally Posted by bossman72

Really, I'm looking for the "concussion" protection as opposed to the "top of the cage rebound" protection.

A top of the cage rebound can't cause a concussion?

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by Altor

A top of the cage rebound can't cause a concussion?

I guess I didn't word that properly. What I meant by "concussion" was say a direct hit to the mask of a hockey helmet compared to a traditional mask.

I've worked on significantly more fields this year with the short cage as opposed to years past, so maybe I should take that into consideration a little more too.

[Tim C]

"Checked with one of my MiLB sources, who checked with the Executive Director of MiLB Development, who said the Certified Athletic Trainer for MiLB recommends all umpires at all levels to use the hockey style helmet to reduce the chance of concussions."

Thanks as this is totally the inverse from the original direction that was given.

Thanks for your research and documentation.

Tee

[BSBAL18]

Literally had this happen last night. Hockey style mask, no throat guard, curveball in the dirt bounced right up directly into my throat. Luckily was slightly off center from my Adam's apple, so definitely would recommend throat guard. I just bought one.