Catcher Myth #27 Catcher's should take their mask off when the ball is in play... Years ago with the design of catcher's masks, this was a true statement. Today this thought is no more acceptable than putting your infant on your lap when driving or not using your seat belts. We are much more aware of the safety risks for athletes and specifically catchers. Particularly concussion risks. Three summers ago I had 3 of my catchers hit in the head catching infield practice by teammates who lost track who to throw to. One resulted in a concussion. In the limited time I have been involved in softball, I have watched a game stopped for 10 minutes when a 12 year old was knocked unconscious on a tag play at home, broken noses when catchers collided with the backstop on a pop up, broken teeth, damaged braces... I have watched my own daughter and many of my catchers escape injury and their masks sent flying in collisions at home plate.
Whether it's baseball or softball, there is nothing macho about taking your mask off to face a base runner trying to score by plowing you over. You can see just as well with a modern day face mask and a bit of practice. Don't risk permanent injury to play your position.
Many well meaning coaches and parents still yell for kids to take their mask off at the games I go to, not realizing the jeopardy a catcher faces leaving their head unprotected.
We work with catchers to leave their mask on whenever they are on the field, they train to field pop ups with it on as well as tag plays. This line of thinking is catching on too. We know of baseball coaches that bench their catchers if they take their mask off when the ball is in play. I wish all coaches could adopt that commitment to their player's safety. Whether it's a tag at home or a pop up or shagging throws at infield practice, please always wear your face mask. Always practice like you play.
For some great picture examples, click on the title link above. Every coach, parent and catcher should watch the video below. There is no "safe way" to remove your mask with the ball in play.
[video=youtube_share;-xgBGpICS48]http://youtu.be/-xgBGpICS48[/video]
Whether it's baseball or softball, there is nothing macho about taking your mask off to face a base runner trying to score by plowing you over. You can see just as well with a modern day face mask and a bit of practice. Don't risk permanent injury to play your position.
Many well meaning coaches and parents still yell for kids to take their mask off at the games I go to, not realizing the jeopardy a catcher faces leaving their head unprotected.
We work with catchers to leave their mask on whenever they are on the field, they train to field pop ups with it on as well as tag plays. This line of thinking is catching on too. We know of baseball coaches that bench their catchers if they take their mask off when the ball is in play. I wish all coaches could adopt that commitment to their player's safety. Whether it's a tag at home or a pop up or shagging throws at infield practice, please always wear your face mask. Always practice like you play.
For some great picture examples, click on the title link above. Every coach, parent and catcher should watch the video below. There is no "safe way" to remove your mask with the ball in play.
[video=youtube_share;-xgBGpICS48]http://youtu.be/-xgBGpICS48[/video]