Is a fielding Face Mask necessary?

[KevinC]

Going back to the original post that we don't expect boys playing baseball to wear them I ask why not?

I think the masks have improved so they don't effect the players vision. My DD wears a mask and has no trouble seeing the ball and making plays at 1B.

I don't see any advantage to the lacrosse mask since it doesn't protect the mouth.

Although balls to the face may be rare - the results can be very severe. IMO there is no downside to wearing a mask and it is cheap insurance against a life changing injury.

 

[SoftSocDad]

So my answer is an either/or proposition. Either return to the equipment being used 15-20 years ago or adjust the field (by moving the bases to 65') and change the rules and enforcement to once again level the playing field for both dugouts, not just those marketing the game for profit.

Excellent post.

There doesn't seem to be much support at all for either idea, but I agree with you that either could work.

 

[3'sDad]

DD (14U) just completed her 1st season wearing the Game Face when pitching or playing the infield (she does not wear it when playing OF). It took 2 practices to get used to wearing it and visibility has never been an issue. WW and I are very happy she decided on her own to protect herself.

 

[bobbyb]

DD (14U) just completed her 1st season wearing the Game Face when pitching or playing the infield (she does not wear it when playing OF). It took 2 practices to get used to wearing it and visibility has never been an issue. WW and I are very happy she decided on her own to protect herself.

Same here. We expected the girls to have problems and complain repeatedly. After 2nd practice...no problems or complaints. All the infield wore them and all are glad they do. Visibility has only been an issue once we are aware of and that was a grounder back to dd while pitching...she never reacted to it and could of caught it. Said she never seen it.

 

[SBFAMILY]

Game Face Hard for anyone after you read and look at the pictures to say you don't want you dd to end up like one of these kids. The worst case was a pitcher getting her eye socket destroyed and the eye was laying outside on her cheek. She did not lose her eyesight , but lots of constructive surgery. Most are talking about teeth getting knocked out. I look at this like seat belts in a car. I will probably never need one, but it could save me from a serious injury.

 

[quincy]

DD wears a face mask while at P and at corners. DD was playing CF and P was struggling, coach put in another player in at P who does not wear a face mask. Coach told me after the game that she was going to put in DD but noticed she did not have her face mask on so put in someone else. Might have just been an excuse to appease me but was not happy. DD not pitching is OK, coach’s choice. DD not pitching because she is not allowed 30 seconds to run into the dugout to get her mask is not. Only Issue we have ever had with DD wearing a mask.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

I fully support wearing a fielders mask. Almost all of my pitching students comply. Now, if I could get the parents to wear one, when they are catching. If you buy 2 and say "Here is mine. Here is yours." It would help.

 

[starsnuffer]

Biggest hurdle is getting them to not feel like a freak. Easiest way to get through that is to have multiple kids on the team wear it. In most cases, you either have a team where no one wears one, or a team where most of the corners/pitcher wear one. My daughter always refused, this year we moved up a few younger kids and they were masks, after that she started wearing hers on her own. Took about 20 seconds for her to "get used to it" at practice and no problems pitching the next game with it.

-W

 

[3sDad]

Mines primarily a catcher...so she wears a mask anyway...BUT when she's not catching, and playing infield (1st and 3rd) she wears a Ripit...its not up for debate, never has been, Im the parent, this is how it works at 3sdad house...she wears it without thought...

Its your kid (or team)...Masks stop the most serious issue we have, with the exception of a heart stopping shot....which is another debate about every tournament having at least one defib machine....anyway...Mine wears one...I have picked up bloody teeth before and really dont want to again....seen a pitcher take a missile off her face...she had on a ripit...it bent the ripit...after a couple minutes she was back pitching...instead of at the hospital getting facial reconstruction surgery or worse...(Dad bought new Ripit before next game)....and so had several parents whose kids didnt wear one...it just makes sense...
IF I were a coach I'd HIGHLY encourage my corners and pitcher to wear one...matter of fact when I was, they DID...my .02

 

[softballphreak]

We heard all the excuses in the world when we were trying to get helmet batting cages made mandatory. Now, they are mandatory. They help prevent unnecessary pain and injury. They aren't given a second thought now.

Start with the younger set, if necessary, but start it. Protect your kid's face; facial injuries can cause a lifetime of suffering. Pitchers and corners.