10U line drive to her face

[coach james]

10U rec ball last night. Opposing pitcher got a liner right back at her face. Thank GOD she was wearing a mask. She somehow maintained her composure and still tried to make a play on the deflected ball and nearly got the out at 1 since the batter was standing there concerned about her... it wasn't until after everything was dead that reality set in and she broke down. She was fine and even returned to pitch later. Scary stuff!
Without that mask... she would have went to the ER for sure!

 

[Juggs]

Masks are great. I make all my girls wear them even OF.

 

[RetiredCoach]

There were two injuries that I know about this year on my DD's team that could have been prevented by wearing a face mask. First, my DD in pre-game warm ups--just playing catch--was hit in the cheek by a ball. It left a nasty mark which included stitches and was very swollen and ugly. The second was again in warm ups playing catch and another girl had two teeth severely loosened and may not become re-rooted.

Maybe masks need to be worn during warm ups as well?

 

[riseball]

There were two injuries that I know about this year on my DD's team that could have been prevented by wearing a face mask. First, my DD in pre-game warm ups--just playing catch--was hit in the cheek by a ball. It left a nasty mark which included stitches and was very swollen and ugly. The second was again in warm ups playing catch and another girl had two teeth severely loosened and may not become re-rooted.

Maybe masks need to be worn during warm ups as well?

Kind of defeats the purpose if not worn in warm-ups and all practice sessions. To use the favorite apples to oranges facemask analogy with a seat belt: You would not only wear one on the interstate would you?

 

[sb03dad]

DD's swing is coming around, hitting the ball hard. 4 back to back doubles, 2 line drive singles to the gaps in the outfield this past weekend in bracket play. Then one scary hard grounder back to the pitcher that should have shot by her at knee level. Hit a stone or clump of clay and shot up into the pitchers face. Fortunately the chin guard on her mask caught it and most likely saved her teeth. First thing heard in the stands, "Thank God for the mask!".

 

[RetiredCoach]

DD's swing is coming around, hitting the ball hard. 4 back to back doubles, 2 line drive singles to the gaps in the outfield this past weekend in bracket play. Then one scary hard grounder back to the pitcher that should have shot by her at knee level. Hit a stone or clump of clay and shot up into the pitchers face. Fortunately the chin guard on her mask caught it and most likely saved her teeth. First thing heard in the stands, "Thank God for the mask!".

I think that I need to buy some stock in Schutt!

 

[CatchTheFever]

I hate seeing girls in 10u or any age really still not wearing mask while pitching

 

[riseball]

I hate seeing girls in 10u or any age really still not wearing mask while pitching

Very true. However, I often ask the parents and coaches of these young ladies what they do on a regular basis to strengthen their players defensive skills and enhance their abilities to protect themselves in the circle.

< insert cricket sound effects here >

Masks are fine but they are no substitute for the development of defensive skills in the circle. A mask is not an end all but only one piece of the puzzle.

 

[qsort]

There were two injuries that I know about this year on my DD's team that could have been prevented by wearing a face mask. First, my DD in pre-game warm ups--just playing catch--was hit in the cheek by a ball. It left a nasty mark which included stitches and was very swollen and ugly. The second was again in warm ups playing catch and another girl had two teeth severely loosened and may not become re-rooted.

Maybe masks need to be worn during warm ups as well?

When I coached, the majority of injuries and accidents from balls came during non-game situations: practice, warm-ups, etc. My daughter might handle her glove better than anybody...it won't protect her from one of her knucklehead friends throwing with a partner next to her.

 

[NorthMS]

Very true. However, I often ask the parents and coaches of these young ladies what they do on a regular basis to strengthen their players defensive skills and enhance their abilities to protect themselves in the circle.

< insert cricket sound effects here >

Masks are fine but they are no substitute for the development of defensive skills in the circle. A mask is not an end all but only one piece of the puzzle.

Agreed. The mask doesn't mean you quit protecting yourself, the same way a seat belt doesn't mean you can drive recklessly.