I wished I hadn't worn that mask.

[BobInMadison]

Should pitchers wear batting helmets?

I ONCE saw a batter get beaned. Batting helmet took care of it. She came back to finish pitching that game, won, then pitched all of the next game. Won both games, beating DD #1's team the second game.

 

[riseball]

Should pitchers wear batting helmets?

I ONCE saw a batter get beaned. Batting helmet took care of it. She came back to finish pitching that game, won, then pitched all of the next game. Won both games, beating DD #1's team the second game.

If they are pitching with proper mechanics I doubt that it is physically possible.

 

[Strike2]

I feel badly for the pitcher but let's be very clear here - the mask would not have prevented a concussion. In order to do that, it has to absorb a significant amount of energy and decrease the amount of energy transferred to the head. I rigid piece of metal on the face will not do that. The face masks are designed with the intent to protect the fragile bones of the face and teeth (plenty of reason to wear one), but if the ball is hit so hard that a pitcher cannot get a glove up to protect herself, she would have sustained a concussion, mask or no mask. Just because something is worn on the head does not mean that it affords any protection, especially if it does not significantly dissipate the energy transferred to the head that causes it to snap back violently.

Generally, I think you're correct, if the impact is straight-on to the front of the mask, and the mask has nowhere to move once the ball strikes it (except into the face / head).

Even so, the mask will not transfer 100% of the energy to the head; there is some small energy loss when the ball strikes the structure of the mask, and more loss because of padding between the mask and the chin / forehead. Short of a straight-on impact, the ball will deflect, and the mask structure will slide against the face and the straps that hold it to the head, and even more energy will be absorbed by something other than the brain bucket.

Is it enough to prevent a concussion? In some circumstances, perhaps. Some people are more prone to concussion than others, and how the ball hits will affect how much energy is transferred through the mask. I've outlined in a earlier post how my own kid has been hit pretty hard (accidentally by me), albeit with something less than than a straight-on shot. The mask absorbed enough energy that she wasn't at all hurt.

In any event, having the mask is better than not when getting nailed.

 

[KneeHighSocks]

concussion prevention aside. I know of a player that took a line drive to the face and had to have plastic surgery to rebuild their eye socket and cheek that was shattered. I'd rather take my chances being called a wuss and not have to worry about the bigger injuries- my DD confidently goes after more hard hit balls with a mask on. Doesn't fear them hopping in her face. (and she's taken them in the neck and chest too)

 

[Tatonka]

I feel badly for the pitcher but let's be very clear here - the mask would not have prevented a concussion. In order to do that, it has to absorb a significant amount of energy and decrease the amount of energy transferred to the head. I rigid piece of metal on the face will not do that. The face masks are designed with the intent to protect the fragile bones of the face and teeth (plenty of reason to wear one), but if the ball is hit so hard that a pitcher cannot get a glove up to protect herself, she would have sustained a concussion, mask or no mask. Just because something is worn on the head does not mean that it affords any protection, especially if it does not significantly dissipate the energy transferred to the head that causes it to snap back violently.

There is NO way you should say that with the certainty you try to imply. Be responsible here. Of course the mask is not designed to prevent concussions but with multiple factors involved it's entirely possible the outcome could have been different. Not to mention that a concussion is only one of many injuries that can result when ball meets head.

 

[4 girl's dad]

Actually, if the mask moves on impact, it is transferring energy from the ball to the mask and not as much to the head.

Look at new cars vs old cars. New cars crumple and are designed to disparate the energy away from the cabin. Similar concept with the mask that moves on impact.

 

[RetiredCoach]

Given how big a deal concussions have become with regard to the NFL and youth sports I think that the research and engineering that will occur in the next 3-5 years will be fascinating. If anyone knows of companies that may be involved in such work please send me their stock symbol.

What a coincidence! I am starting a company to do just that! It's stock symbol is RIPOFF. I will let you know where you can send the check!

 

[Westwind]

Couple years ago, DD had a direct shot to her mask, 100% of energy transfer to mask and ultimately her head. Ball dropped to her feet. Seemed a little bit dazed that evening but did not show the same type of symptoms her older sister showed after getting a diagnosed concussion.

I know the mask makes fielders feel more confident but every kid I have seen hit in the mask, (or head), was a pitcher and had absolutely no chance whatsoever to get a glove up. Happened too fast.

Total hijack but same dd went a year without any close calls and has been hit in the knee twice this season by absolute lasers. We are working on her glove position after releasing but honestly where can you put your glove that you can protect both your head and knees from balls that Are hit so hard they leave a vapor trail. Most of the time it just happens so fast... I suggested to her that she work harder on speed, placement and spin... Seems kind of flippant but I think that and a lucky rabbits foot are the most likely solutions to work.

 

[BobInMadison]

I looked at a number of discussions on the Internet. Everyone falls into 3 groups:

1. Never hit in the face, against masks, thinks masks are for wusses.
2. Never hit in the face, thinks masks are a good thing.
3. Player who was hit in the face, or parent of DD who was hit in the face. Thinks masks are crucial for P and 3B and maybe some other IF positions.

There is no group 4. There are NO players or parents of players hit in the face who think masks are for wusses. Not one.

 

[Greenmonsters]

I looked at a number of discussions on the Internet. Everyone falls into 3 groups:

1. Never hit in the face, against masks, thinks masks are for wusses.
2. Never hit in the face, thinks masks are a good thing.
3. Player who was hit in the face, or parent of DD who was hit in the face. Thinks masks are crucial for P and 3B and maybe some other IF positions.

There is no group 4. There are NO players or parents of players hit in the face who think masks are for wusses. Not one.

IMO, there is a Group 4 - Those who would wear a mask (or at least seriously consider it) if not for being told that college coaches don't recruit players who wear mask.