Hit by line drive yesterday.

[riseball]

Really wish MLB would start setting examples. I think we are seeing more and more MLB players (and umpires) get hit by line drives. Recently, an Astros prospect got one in the face...imagine if that was a softball.

You are not suggesting that getting hit with a softball is more dangerous than getting hit with a baseball? The velocity and energy observed in baseball are significantly higher than with softball. A baseball traveling at 95mph has almost twice the energy of a softball traveling at 65mph.

 

[Greenmonsters]

You are not suggesting that getting hit with a softball is more dangerous than getting hit with a baseball? The velocity and energy observed in baseball are significantly higher than with softball. A baseball traveling at 95mph has almost twice the energy of a softball traveling at 65mph.

The attached Sports Science vido link suggests otherwise

FSN Sport Science - Episode 7 - Myths - Jennie Finch - YouTube

 

[JJsqueeze]

That seems inconclusive to me. It broke the plate but never got a force measurement. Maybe that part of the plate had an impurity that made it weaker? I don't know which has more force, I just know I don't want anyone hit in the face with either.

 

[riseball]

The attached Sports Science vido link suggests otherwise

FSN Sport Science - Episode 7 - Myths - Jennie Finch - YouTube

I just did the math:

6.5oz softball at 65mph generates 69.71 foot pounds of energy.

5.25oz baseball at 95mph generates 119.38 foot pounds of energy.

For perspective:

1lb rock at 50mph generates 101.54 foot pounds of energy.

Personally I think it would suck to get hit with any of them.

 

[cuzmail]

Since even with a mask most players will turn their heads and negate the protection of the mask, why not have players wear batting helmets at all times?

Actually a valid point, but obviously not intended to be a reason for not wearing a mask.

I know that when I catch DD on the bucket I turn my head on a low pitch that I think may bounce - Did I mention that I hate drop balls? Turning my head is stupid since I am wearing a umpire style catcher's mask. I know I shouldn't do it, but yet I can't seem to stop it either. Dumb move because the back of my head has no protection when I turn away.

I've already caught a rise ball with my right eye before the mask. Not fun !

 

[cuzmail]

I think I can sum this thread up.

Wearing a mask is a good thing.
Need to eliminate the stigma applied by some.
Hopefully someone safety tests and approved the masks to increase their acceptance.
Some think they should be mandated.
One suggested use become a law.
Some think it is a parental decision. (me)

Good to know that the pitcher in the OP will be fine. Sounds like she will use a mask from now on. When she becomes the super star at a televised D1 school she can promote using the mask.

 

[MTR]

My DD doesn't wear a mask. But I do think some kids need one but won't wear one because of a stigma. It would do a lot to remove the perceived negative stigma if they made it a game rule by ASA/PGF or other sanctioning body. Just like helmets and facemasks on helmets. Someone had to start the rule somewhere.

Yes. We can parent our own kid... but if there was a game rule in place that would protect the players from getting hurt that didn't affect the game negatively why wouldn't people support it? Why do batters have to wear batting helmets? Why do leagues have rules for cups for boys? Some states don't even allow metal cleats in HS. The majority of players will not play in college or at a high level. The majority also don't have cat like reflexes many of the DD's of those who are opposed to any face mask rules.

Sure its not easy to implement. It doesn't have to be everyone. It could start at 12U or 14U and below. It could start with the pitcher. Maybe move to corner or other infield positions. I don't know. With how hot some of these bats are I just don't want to see a kid get hit by a line drive in the face and possibly seriously injured playing a game because they didn't want to be looked upon as weak or being babied. It is just a game after all.

This is the major part of the problem. You ARE the parent, YOU are paying the price, YOU make the rules. Stop whining about the need for someone else be the bad guy by doing the PARENT'S JOB.

The equipment is there, you know it is there and affordable. TELL, not ask, her to use it or find another sport. Then you go tell the entire coaching staff of your decision, in front of other parents, and openly state that you intend to hold them liable if you discover they are not supporting and/or honoring your decision when your daughter plays. It isn't hard, just do it.

 

[bucket pinata]

Wonder if all the Parents having a hard time getting there DDs to wear masks had no problem making them buckle up for the car ride on the way to the field.

 

[bucket pinata]

Not sure but I think you could use the same math between a 22cal bullet and a 50cal bullet. the foot pounds of energy on the 22 would be higher because its a smaller projectile but if I'm getting hit with one Ill take the overall impact of the 22 over the 50cal any day. Also Batted balls are in the 90+mph range not 65 mph.

I just did the math:

6.5oz softball at 65mph generates 69.71 foot pounds of energy.

5.25oz baseball at 95mph generates 119.38 foot pounds of energy.

For perspective:

1lb rock at 50mph generates 101.54 foot pounds of energy.

Personally I think it would suck to get hit with any of them.

 

[smddad]

...I'm not going to MANDATE something that has not been tested and approved as a safety device by a legitimate authority or sanctioning body.

Baseball requires non-approved cups for the boys.