The Numbers Are In . . .

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

The HSM is safer, period. You don't need a study to know that.

Originally Posted by Pensaump

I'm having a hard time being convinced that the "new view" mask really makes that much difference.

A minor leaguer familiar with PBUC's statement put it this way. "Helmets protect better against impact to the sides and top of the head, but they have not shown, in practice, to protect any better from concussions due to shots to the front."

The figures I believe, only take into consideation the 230 some umpires in minor league baseball and for only the past two seasons. They are represented as percentages of those who use each type of mask, thus they are not skewed by the large majority of umpires who wear the traditional mask.

PBUC takes concussions very seriously and records each one. MiLB umpires, when first starting out, take a test to establish a baseline so that effects of concussions can be measured.

In regards to the new view masks: in practice, they have shown higher numbers of concussions per unit than either a traditional mask or helmet. PBUC has warned their umpires against wearing them for the last two seasons.

[ozzy6900]

The reason that I questioned the New View masks is that there have been several incidents in our organization, all have been with the New View mask. One of the injured insisted that his New View did not take the hit from the ball as his old standard mask did. I personally have felt the difference and will not use the New View at all.

I have no experience with a HSM other than I tried a friends and did not like the feel at all. There is no question that it will protect you better than just a hat, that is for sure!

[Emperor Ump]

I also believe a factor to be considered is that some people are just more prone to concussions. Troy Aikman would be a perfect example. Concussions ended his career. Yet there are many quarterbacks who both took harder hits and were with more often with no issue like Jim Kelly. He wad probably hit more often and harder than Aikman. (Yes, I realize Aikman played home games on turf which is harder-- just an example)