Kerwin Danley

[waltjp]

Nice job by the catcher, Russell Martin, of ducking away from the pitch.

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They made a little remark at the replay about Danley not wearing a HSM. And how exactly would that have helped?

As an ump who wears a HSM, I think I can answer that. Looking at the video from MLB.com of the incident, it appears the ball was breaking and got him in the jaw right behind his mask, perhaps farther back on his neck. From what I can see, I believe the HSM would have, as a minimum, deflected the ball. I think it would have taken the whole impact. His ears would be ringing, but otherwise minimal damage. When I come down into my squat, my mask and chest protecter virtually come together. There is a small seam where I can get hit, but I sincerly doubt I would take the hit Danleyy took. I AM NOT SAYING HE SHOULD BE FAULTED. The HSM is not for everybody, but by the simple virtue of covering more area, it is more protective.