Minor league coach killed by line drive

[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.

[bob jenkins]

I heard briefly on the radio yesterday that the autopsy showed the cause of death as being a crushed artery in the neck. Does this mean that a helmet wouldn't have protected him?

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I heard briefly on the radio yesterday that the autopsy showed the cause of death as being a crushed artery in the neck. Does this mean that a helmet wouldn't have protected him?

In a sad but related story to this discussion....

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6841489

[Eastshire]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I heard briefly on the radio yesterday that the autopsy showed the cause of death as being a crushed artery in the neck. Does this mean that a helmet wouldn't have protected him?

Could be. Unfortunately, it is not possible to protect ourselves from all dangers. I really don't think there would be any significant benefit from mandating that base coaches wear helmets. How often do they actually get injured at all?

Sometimes bad things happen

[RPatrino]

One comment on that story linked to Jurrasics post. I believe that in LL Majors and below per rule, there is no on-deck batter allowed.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by Eastshire

Could be. Unfortunately, it is not possible to protect ourselves from all dangers. I really don't think there would be any significant benefit from mandating that base coaches wear helmets. How often do they actually get injured at all?

Sometimes bad things happen

It's the age old argument, one life, what is it worth?

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by fitump56

It's the age old argument, one life, what is it worth?

Sure, seeing as how big brother can tell us we have to wear seat belts in our cars and helmets while on a motorcycle, why shouldn't a league determine what's best for us. Of course that leaves hot dogs and beer out of the equation for soooo many.


Tim.

[Mark Dexter]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I heard briefly on the radio yesterday that the autopsy showed the cause of death as being a crushed artery in the neck. Does this mean that a helmet wouldn't have protected him?

In all likelihood, yes.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins
I heard briefly on the radio yesterday that the autopsy showed the cause of death as being a crushed artery in the neck. Does this mean that a helmet wouldn't have protected him?

Originally Posted by Mark Dexter

In all likelihood, yes.

Tough to say, Mark. Would he have been better protected w/ a helmet? Absolutely.

[Eastshire]

Originally Posted by fitump56

Originally Posted by bob jenkins
I heard briefly on the radio yesterday that the autopsy showed the cause of death as being a crushed artery in the neck. Does this mean that a helmet wouldn't have protected him?



Tough to say, Mark. Would he have been better protected w/ a helmet? Absolutely.

It's not tough to say at all. A neck injury is not prevented by a batting helmet. So no, he would not have been better protected against this injury by a helmet.

[OzUmp]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I heard briefly on the radio yesterday that the autopsy showed the cause of death as being a crushed artery in the neck. Does this mean that a helmet wouldn't have protected him?

This is effin scary. I saw just this weekend an ump take a 85 mph fastball right off the carotid artery. Apparently catcher called for a curve. That is not what was thrown. Ump stayed in there like we are taught to do and somehow the ball got in between his chest protector and face mask and got all meat. Dropped him like a sack of potatoes. You could see the contour of the skin go bumpy where he got hit.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by OzUmp

This is effin scary. I saw just this weekend an ump take a 85 mph fastball right off the carotid artery. Apparently catcher called for a curve. That is not what was thrown. Ump stayed in there like we are taught to do and somehow the ball got in between his chest protector and face mask and got all meat. Dropped him like a sack of potatoes. You could see the contour of the skin go bumpy where he got hit.

In the case of this umpire, the first though I had was that an HSM much better covers that area.

The face mask vs the HSM safety (non)issue is about as arguable as putting your hands on the dashboard vs seat/shoulder harnesses in a high speed crash.

[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?