Helmets in coaches box

BSUmp16

waltjp wrote
What's the need? If it's safety, then why not address the pitcher's safety? I've seen many pitchers get hit, and some seriously injured with batted balls.

It's entirely legal under FED rules for a pitcher (or other infielder) to wear protective head gear. If you want it, you can wear it.

waltjp

And what is preventing a base coach from wearing a helmet?

briancurtin

The injury that caused the helmets to become a rule was a neck injury.

CT1

Although there was a proposal before the rules committee to require helmets for adult base coaches, it didn't pass.

I can't imagine why.

waltjp

briancurtin wrote
The injury that caused the helmets to become a rule was a neck injury.

Exactly. The helmet would have accomplished nothing, but it appeases those that say something needs to be done.

MD Longhorn

waltjp wrote
What's the need? If it's safety, then why not address the pitcher's safety? I've seen many pitchers get hit, and some seriously injured with batted balls.

Ask Mike Coolbaugh what the need is.

MD Longhorn

briancurtin wrote
The injury that caused the helmets to become a rule was a neck injury.

Um.... no, no it wasn't.

BretMan

News accounts from the time indicate that Coolbaugh was hit in the neck, not the head.

Tim C

Mike Coolbaugh was hit in the left side of his neck.

As for helmets on base coaches it is a gut reaction by baseball.

Totally unneeded.

Manny A

Tim C wrote
Mike Coolbaugh was hit in the left side of his neck.

As for helmets on base coaches it is a gut reaction by baseball.

Totally unneeded.

Agree. Heck, they're not even wearing helmets with earflaps. Those things protect them only from fly balls.

MD Longhorn

I apologize if I take it slightly personally - I knew Scott and Mike. Thinking about this still makes me nauseous, even 5 years later.

It was not a "neck injury". Yes, he was hit in the neck - but the impact didn't injure his neck, it severed his brain from his spinal cord.

Eastshire

As tragic as Mike Coolbaugh's death was, the helmet base coaches wear now wouldn't have changed the outcome as they don't protect where he was hit.

ozzy6900

I understand the feelings for the loss of a friend, but the only way to prevent this is to either wear a helmet that covers you to your shoulders or stay off the field.

Tim C

"As tragic as Mike Coolbaugh's death was, the helmet base coaches wear now wouldn't have changed the outcome as they don't protect where he was hit."

My point exactly.

Ozzy also nailed it.

MD Longhorn

Fair enough, and point taken. Hackles lowered... sorry guys.

onetime1

So would Mike say yes or no to wearing a helmet while coaching first base?

MD Longhorn

SafeOutReplay wrote
He would say and has said "Do it".

Who is "he"? Which Mike?

MD Longhorn

SafeOutReplay wrote
No problem, looks like you are having a bad year. 😃

I don't think onetime was referring to me... he was asking if Mr. Coolbaugh would say 1BC's should wear helmets.

Steve Meyer

mbcrowder wrote
Ask Mike Coolbaugh what the need is.

He was hit in the side of the neck, and ruptured an artery was it not.

Steve Meyer

SafeOutReplay wrote
Didn't they kill a pig to fix your fukked up heart?

Yes, you mother died for a good cause. I have no earthly idea as to what you are rambling about you sad, sad man.