MLB Looks to Protect Pitchers

[grunewar]

MLB looks to protect pitchers from line drives - ESPN

From the article:

MLB medical director Dr. Gary Green has been talking to companies about protective headgear for pitchers, Halem said. A report is on the agenda at baseball's winter meetings in December.

A cap liner with Kevlar, the high-impact material used by military, law enforcement and NFL players for body armor, is among the ideas under consideration.

[bob jenkins]

And FED has considered having all infielders wear helmets with face masks.

[DG]

I think I will see pitchers wearing helmets long after instant replay on almost anything is implemented. If they want to work on something they should elimininate malicious contact at the plate.

[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.

[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.

[Tim C]

"Something similar to what some softball players wear in the infield would work at a minimum"

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

T

[briancurtin]

Kevlar lined hats will be helpful when pitchers start taking gun fire or someone charges the mound with a knife. That's about it.

[maven]

Originally Posted by Tim C

lets not take the game away from what truly makes it interesting.

T

Tee, with respect, I disagree with the NASCAR theory of what makes baseball interesting.

[shickenbottom]

There is nothing in the rules that prevents a pitcher from wearing a helmet / skull cap type protector.

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.

John Olerud Jr wore one while playing 1st base for years.

The only pre-requisite should be that the surface is "non-glare" if the pitcher chooses to use a helmet.

[Rich]

The thread has been cleaned up. A poster has been restricted to the dugout.

Play nice, please.

[RPatrino]

Olerud played in Canada.

I am so ready for baseball!!

[shickenbottom]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

Olerud played in Canada.

I am so ready for baseball!!

Bob, Yes, he also played many years for the Seattle Mariners.......

He played his college days at WSU.

As for being ready, I just finished my season on Sunday with a CC Fall ball D/H, looking forward to a month or two off.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Tim C

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

T

Amen