I won't disagree with this. Pitching batting practice last summer, I was hit with a line drive right in my gut. It was a ball I may have caught at a younger age, but I didn't stand a chance to stop it this time. I will be honest when I say it put me to my knees. I will no longer pitch batting practice without a screen.
I have been very interested in this thread for one reason. My DD is a high school freshman. She has pitched for 3 years and has worn a mask since day 1. To this day she is still wearing one, but is the only pitcher (V or JV) out of 4 that is wearing one right now. There is only one other player on her HS roster that wears one (SS). She is under pressure from the other girls and is starting to think about removing it. However, I then take her to TB practice and there are 6 other girls that wear masks on our 16u team. Or she practices with the orgs 18u team and sees masks on the P, 1B, SS, and 3B. Mixed signals for sure, and I know that she is confused by all of it. She mentioned the other day that maybe she will stop wearing the mask during high school ball but then put it back on for travel. It is statements like that which worry me. Wear it or don't wear it, but if you choose not to wear it, make that decision for the right reasons. IMO, peer pressure is not the right reason.
It has been very interesting to see both sides of the fence on this topic. While it seems the majority of folks are somewhere in the middle or "pro choice" (as I am), it is also clear that there are those on both extreme ends. While I am not in favor of a mandate, all it takes is one well publicized lawsuit or extreme situation (such as the base coaches in baseball). At the same time, it is also clear that there are those that look at players with masks as inferior athletes because of it.
This is one of those situations for your DD that always seem to pop up at DFP - and parents are always told "back off, need to let them make their own decisions." B freaking S. If your DD is not 18, it's your call (unless your DD has her own health insurance). Once she's 18, she can do what she wants.
HS ball is reps - nothing more. Reps and preparation for summer tournament season.
My DD is the only player on her HS team that wears a mask (when she pitches). She doesn't wear the mask when she plays outfield. She has made it very clear to anyone that it's her decision to wear it when she pitches and to keep their opinions to themselves.