Broke with tradition tonight

[Mike Follett]

I made the switch from a traditional mask to the hockey helmet this year, and I've loved it ever since. If you've got long hair, it's probably not gonna be a good fit for you, but I do have short hair, so that's no problem for me.
To me, it's not as hot as a mask and cap. Yes, I still sweat, but I keep a small towel in my ball bag, to wipe the sweat off on, after wicking it away with my index finger.
The only time I take it off is in between innings and if I'm having a discussion with a manager. I make all of my calls at the plate with it on. The visibility is great, and I actually got hit with a couple of bad throws, on plays at the plate, that would have hit me in the head/face, had I been using a mask and cap.
It's worked well for me. I know I've read plenty of dissenting opinions about it, though. To each his/her own.