HS Season over, here comes summer ball

[PeteBooth]

We are currently working on articles for the new NFHS magazine that deals with player head injuries . . . I think baseball umpires would be a great source to review for head injuries to sport officials.

Regards,

Tim Christensen

Tee since you are working on the article I would be interested in the following as well.

1. The evolution of the "slot" stance. If you look back at old films the umpires were stationed right behind F2 not to the "left of" or "right of" F2

In other words is there more risk of injury by an umpire who uses the "slot" compared to years ago when the umpire was right in back of F2? In the slot we have more risk of taking a straight on shot then if we were behind F2.
Also in calling balls and strikes is it really that drastic of a difference from the "old" school (stationed behind F2) to the new school.

2. The balloon vs. inside chest protector. Today we tend to make fun of any PU using the ballon but my question does the balloon offer more protection than the inside protector?

Thanks

Pete Booth