Foul Ball (not tips) Concussions

[JRutledge]

You are using anecdotal information to draw a conclusion. Now that might work for you, but it does not mean that your conclusion is true or based on facts. In order to come to a scientific conclusion you need hundreds if not thousands of samples to draw such a conclusion.

It is fine to feel safer in a helmet. In the 10 years of umpiring and the hundreds of games I have done over my career, I have never been hurt like the umpire was on TV and I have never seen anyone get hurt with a mask. I think it comes down to what you feel. But until there is a comprehensive study, there is continued to be debate about what is safer or better to use.

Peace

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

You are using anecdotal information to draw a conclusion. Now that might work for you, but it does not mean that your conclusion is true or based on facts. In order to come to a scientific conclusion you need hundreds if not thousands of samples to draw such a conclusion.

It is fine to feel safer in a helmet. In the 10 years of umpiring and the hundreds of games I have done over my career, I have never been hurt like the umpire was on TV and I have never seen anyone get hurt with a mask. I think it comes down to what you feel. But until there is a comprehensive study, there is continued to be debate about what is safer or better to use.

Peace

Jeff,

Have you ever had three 90+ direct hits over a two day span? If so, what were the short and long term results?

It's a well know fact that head injuries aquired over a short span are cumlative (IE: three hits in a short span tend to cause more injury than three hits over a season).

Testing I have seen (Internal testing by a local manufacturer here in SoCal) between the HSM & regular mask indicate:

1. Direct hits have very similar results. Louder to wearer in the HSM.
2. Glancing hits are deflected somewhat better by the HSM

IMO the main reason to switch are view & side/top/rear protection. In many youth and HS fields the backstop is very close to the plate, resulting in an umpire potentially taking shots to the these areas.

[Kaliix]

And that was kinda my point in posting the article. Umpires need to be aware of multiple shots coming off the mask in close proximity, time wise. It can happen and one should be aware the concussion warning signs. Don't get all macho and ignore them.

The HSM stuff is secondary. Both types of masks offer similar impact protection from straight on balls. Past that, it's basically personal preference. I've just seen, heard of and had enough balls/bats come in contact with unprotected head areas that I wear a HSM. Your mileage may vary...

Originally Posted by socalblue1

Jeff,

Have you ever had three 90+ direct hits over a two day span? If so, what were the short and long term results?

It's a well know fact that head injuries aquired over a short span are cumlative (IE: three hits in a short span tend to cause more injury than three hits over a season).

Testing I have seen (Internal testing by a local manufacturer here in SoCal) between the HSM & regular mask indicate:

1. Direct hits have very similar results. Louder to wearer in the HSM.
2. Glancing hits are deflected somewhat better by the HSM

IMO the main reason to switch are view & side/top/rear protection. In many youth and HS fields the backstop is very close to the plate, resulting in an umpire potentially taking shots to the these areas.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by socalblue1

Jeff,

Have you ever had three 90+ direct hits over a two day span? If so, what were the short and long term results?

How about 6 times in one game?

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by UMP25

How about 6 times in one game?

That answers a few questions ....

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by socalblue1

That answers a few questions ....

Oh man, you beat me to it.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by socalblue1

That answers a few questions ....

Indeed.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by socalblue1

Jeff,

Have you ever had three 90+ direct hits over a two day span? If so, what were the short and long term results?

I do not think I have been hit that many times in a week span. Not sure what this is going to prove.

If you love the mask wear it. If it makes you feel safer, wear the mask. I just do not see the point of the question. It is not like what my answer is going to change anyone's mind (which I am not trying to do).

Peace

[Dave Hensley]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I do not think I have been hit that many times in a week span. Not sure what this is going to prove.

If you love the mask wear it. If it makes you feel safer, wear the mask. I just do not see the point of the question. It is not like what my answer is going to change anyone's mind (which I am not trying to do).

Peace

Another classic from our resident nihilist.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by Dave Hensley

Another classic from our resident nihilist.

We are all just Dust in the Wind (tm).

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by LMan

We are all just Dust in the Wind (tm).

"You're my boy, Blue! You're my boy."