ML umpire wins $775K in lawsuit

[kylejt]

The only time I wear my All Star helmet is when I'm working under one of those old clam shell type backstops. I've had a foul come straight down, and hit the metal button of my hat, and NEVER want to feel that pain again.

If the helmets didn't cover the ears, I'd guess the concussion rate wouldn't be as high. As they are, the blast goes directly into your ears, and that's a problem, IMO.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by Tim C

As we know the study done with MiLB Umpires documented that there were more (and more severe) concussions when wearing a HSM.

Link? Tx.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by mbyron

The only reason I would (and do) consider switching to a HSM is the protection from the batter's backswing.

Currently, my risk assessment is that concussions pose a greater risk to me, given the games and levels I work. It seems rational to stick with a traditional mask.

I have taken two hits from thrown balls on the side of the helmet, one square on the temple, that saved me from a potentially severe injury.

Both thrown balls were dead ball sitchs coming from F3 and F6 to F2 who wasn't looking. Another reason I never remove the helmet except during changeovers.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best

I have taken two hits from thrown balls on the side of the helmet, one square on the temple, that saved me from a potentially severe injury.

Both thrown balls were dead ball sitchs coming from F3 and F6 to F2 who wasn't looking. Another reason I never remove the helmet except during changeovers.

Sounds like F2 wasn't the only one not looking.

[MikeStrybel]

For transparency sake, I am not a fan of the HSM. I wore a Mizuno for the past few years while in Asia and just bought the Wilson Platinum a month ago. I assume I will be comfortable and safe. I am sure Ed Hickox thought the same thing. As far as I can tell he is the only umpire I have ever seen who wears a hat under it. Does any of you do this? That has to defeat some of the fit of the HSM.

Also, how should our masks be tested? According to Wilson court documents, the model he wore was tested extensively in house. Apparently the simulate destructive forces on the thing to see how well it holds up. That seems reasonable. While I expect to be safe, I still face a risk out there. Ed had already had a concussion in 2009 and this bell ringer was the perfect storm of foul balls. From what I saw in the video the mask did what it was supposed to do.

[kylejt]

One thing to check on your masks and helmets is hat fit. If a ball drives your mask toward your face, is the bill of the cap also being driven toward your forehead? Make sure you have enough of a gap/cushion so it doesn't.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

For transparency sake, I am not a fan of the HSM. I wore a Mizuno for the past few years while in Asia and just bought the Wilson Platinum a month ago.

Here I thought it was me. I hate the Mizuno but when in Japan...

I assume I will be comfortable and safe. I am sure Ed Hickox thought the same thing. As far as I can tell he is the only umpire I have ever seen who wears a hat under it. Does any of you do this? That has to defeat some of the fit of the HSM.

In agreement, no cap and when Wilson redesigned their helmet to allow for a cap, it may have been the design flaw that created the failure.

Following on with that line of thinking, I wonder if Wilson tested the helmet when they refitted the facemask. If they had generated the standard NOCSAE tests, this severe flaw should have reared it ugly "face". Since the helmet was basically the same as the previous model, maybe not.

Also, how should our masks be tested? According to Wilson court documents, the model he wore was tested extensively in house. Apparently the simulate destructive forces on the thing to see how well it holds up. That seems reasonable. While I expect to be safe, I still face a risk out there. Ed had already had a concussion in 2009 and this bell ringer was the perfect storm of foul balls. From what I saw in the video the mask did what it was supposed to do.

Testing as the docs claim is done "in house" by the manufacturer using NOCSAE standards.

The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE)

Which I believe is utter (udder?) cow poop. The helmet manufacturers have been steadfast against adequately funding an independent source for testing.

I can tell you their standards on motorcycle helmets often are not followed when some of those helmets hit the asphalt especially the less expensive ones. I don't know if this is because of faulty testing, manufacturing or what. Same with racing helmets. May be the same with umpire helmets.

Keep in mind, once a helmet has taken a hit, it can be deemed "out of warranty" and the manufacturer can waltz on the liability.

Btw, I was unaware that Hickox had a prior concussion. This changes the medical dynamics of his most recent injury.

[MikeStrybel]

This story really got me thinking. My wife says that always leads to no good so there's the disclaimer.

Home-plate umpires find themselves in the line of fire - USATODAY.com

Safeguards sought as umpire injury toll grows - USATODAY.com

After a bit of digging to see if any problems existed with my recently purchased mask, I found the above stories. Yes, they are three years old and I'm sure some of you discussed them back then. My apologies for retreading them but they seem solid. I was surprised to learn that NOCSAE doesn't have a standard for umpire masks, though they do for catcher's HSMs and helmets. That seems silly.

First game of the year is five days away. The weather guy is calling for clouds and 39 degrees, so that should be fun.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

I was surprised to learn that NOCSAE doesn't have a standard for umpire masks, though they do for catcher's HSMs and helmets. That seems silly.

NOCSAE requires ear covering so if you are referring to the traditional mask, they haven't a standard for it. Without ear protection, which is in fact temple area protection as well, they feel it is unsafe.

I agree.