MLB Looks to Protect Pitchers

[RPatrino]

I didn't know that about John, Sam!

I am just getting my gear inventoried and brought out of storage. I would have loved to do fall ball.

[Publius]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Umpires wear them and are still able to see.

That's never been the way I've heard it.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Tim C

Of course, lets change the game into the game as played by little girls.

You obviously don't do a lot of softball, hey Tim?

I umpired an 18U Gold National qualifier this summer, doing the plate for the loser's bracket final. There was nothing "little" about those girls.

That said, I do think it's ridiculous to consider making it mandatory for FED baseball infielders to wear masks. That's not even mandatory in girls softball at any level.

[nopachunts]

But in softball you see some girls wearing face protectors in the infield at almost all ages. I haven't seen any type of head protection at almost any level of baseball other than John Olerud. I hope I spelled his name right.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by nopachunts

But in softball you see some girls wearing face protectors in the infield at almost all ages. I haven't seen any type of head protection at almost any level of baseball other than John Olerud. I hope I spelled his name right.

And he wore it because he had already had a brain aneurysm - not because he was afraid just out of the blue.

[john5396]

NHL went through this a couple of times, first requiring helments for all players, then several years later adding required facemasks.

Once a change is made requiring a head protector of some sort for the pitcher, within a year or two fans/players will be saying "what was the big deal".

A protective headgear for pitchers at all levels will not significantly change the game, but will save a few young men a year (including NFHS/NCAA/Pro) from a life altering injury.

I see no reason to object to protective headgear for pitchers.

[nopachunts]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

And he wore it because he had already had a brain aneurysm - not because he was afraid just out of the blue.

Rich, I knew that he wore the protective helmet to protect him from a medical condition. I didn't mean to imply that he was afraid of being hit. The only reason I mentioned him is that is the only player in baseball when in the field that I can think of that wears/wore protective headgear regardless of the reason.

[Manny A]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought Olerud needed special dispensation to wear his helmet. Without approval from the league, he would have been in violation of uniform rules and would have been told to don a cap.

So I don't think a pitcher can wear a protective helmet under OBR. I think a rule change would be needed.

[shickenbottom]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought Olerud needed special dispensation to wear his helmet. Without approval from the league, he would have been in violation of uniform rules and would have been told to don a cap.

So I don't think a pitcher can wear a protective helmet under OBR. I think a rule change would be needed.

What Rule would he have been in violation for?

Rule 1.11 does not currently prohibit the use of a helmet. It only says that "Uniforms" are identical in Color, Style, & Trim.

Rule 1.16 does not say a pitcher or fielder should or should not, only certain players: catchers, batters, runners, and base coaches are required.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by shickenbottom

What Rule would he have been in violation for?

Rule 1.11 does not currently prohibit the use of a helmet. It only says that "Uniforms" are identical in Color, Style, & Trim.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought the "identical" in "style" prevented some players from wearing caps while others wore helmets.

[SAWolf]

Helmuts for pitchers

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