MLB Looks to Protect Pitchers

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Pitchers are going to always be in a bad position. You are 60' away, throwing 80+ mph, to an object that can reverse the direction at almost the same speed. You are a target and that is all there is to it.

So what do we want to do, suit up all the players in gear like football players? How is a pitcher going to pitch? How is a fielder going to have the dexterity do dive, roll and come up throwing if they are clad in protective suits?

We go through this every time someone gets hit with a baseball. It is part of the game and if you don't want to get hit, play in the outfield.

Typical over-reaction. Stretch the point out to the absurd... and then ridicule the absurdity. No one is saying they need to be in protective suits. It's a mask. Catchers use them (and a little body armor too!) yet are not deemed incapable of moving or seeing. Umpires wear them and are still able to see. Why in the world would you think this would make it impossible for a pitcher to pitch?

[Adam]

I think having the infielders wear helmets and masks may be a bit overkill, but having the pitchers do it seems easy enough. I'm sure they would adjust quickly. Even having modified helmets, less than a batting helmet, for example, would be an improvement.

I would expect it to happen at the aluminum levels within a few years if they don't get rid of the bats themselves. MLB? I don't know.

I've always said players should take the field with whatever suit of armor they wear to the plate anyway, so it might be an improvement.

[MD Longhorn]

Something similar to what some softball players wear in the infield would work at a minimum. Something with slightly more pad on the top and sides might be better, but might be cumbersome.

[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.