Another young pitcher hurt by a ball

Isn't it time the face mask becomes mandatory everywhere?

Chatham Pitcher Hurt by Line Drive that Halts Softball Game - Chatham NJ News - TAPinto

Sad that it happened again. And it didn't have to. This is happening all to often. Prayers to her and her family.

Yes, Marc, it is. But parents still think that this is a girl's powder puff game, being played at the church picnic. I simply cringe when there is a newbie pitcher (for example) trying to learn to pitch against girls that are 10, 11 and 12 years old.

Another dumb move is the dad or mom standing 30 feet from the batter, lobbing softballs in there, at practice. (Oh, and they have on flip flops.)

Amy in AZ. said:

Yes, Marc, it is. But parents still think that this is a girl's powder puff game, being played at the church picnic. I simply cringe when there is a newbie pitcher (for example) trying to learn to pitch against girls that are 10, 11 and 12 years old.

Another dumb move is the dad or mom standing 30 feet from the batter, lobbing softballs in there, at practice. (Oh, and they have on flip flops.)

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Since my DD was hit by a hard line drive to the face I am totally for the use of face masks. And even though it has been years since this event occurred, I still see my DD being tentative in fielding balls at times. However, since I do this myself I am not AS against parents lobbing balls from 30 feet to batters because it would not hurt me as much myself getting hit by a ball as it was seeing my daughter get hit. Wear face masks!!!

Not saying this is the case in the example cited. But I have often wondered why it is acceptable in HS softball to have 14 year old rec players players on the same field as 18 year old women who are signed to college programs?

Pitchers (and 3B) parents need to realize it is their responsibility to decide if their DD will or will not wear a mask. Mask are NOT illegal and if they want their DD to wear one they damn well can make her.

riseball said:

Not saying this is the case in the example cited. But I have often wondered why it is acceptable in HS softball to have 14 year old rec players players on the same field as 18 year old women who are signed to college programs?

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There can be a HUGE disparity in talent level in HS softball. Some players may not even play REC ball. They are just players needed to fill out the roster.

Coach Marc said:

Isn't it time the face mask becomes mandatory everywhere?

Chatham Pitcher Hurt by Line Drive that Halts Softball Game - Chatham NJ News - TAPinto

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Full disclosure - DD has worn a face mask as a pitcher since seeing another pitcher get knocked off her feet and her mask dented by a line drive at 12U...

I am very much in favor of face masks for those that CHOOSE to have their daughters (or sons) wear them...but if they become mandatory then they better be NOCSAE tested and stamped...

And I am still waiting for Stacey Nuveman to get behind the plate without catcher's gear since she said on national TV (paraphrasing - don't remember the actual quote) that fielders who wear masks are cowards.

And the Georgetown coach who said her players don't need masks since she teaches how to field properly - love to see the GU insurance policy on that...

SoCalASABlue said:

And the Georgetown coach who said her players don't need masks since she teaches how to field properly - love to see the GU insurance policy on that...

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It's OK... Georgetown is ranked 192nd and struggle to field a team (they have the smallest D1 official roster I have ever seen - 13 players currently)

It is a rule in our HIGH School conference that both pitcher & third have to wear facemasks. Our team brought a pitcher in with one out in the 7th and she didn't put a mask on (she hates to wear one for whatever reason). Other coaches filed a grievance after the game and our coach got fined $50.