Now that I have a more comprehensive sports package I have to admit I've been watching a lot more softball on TV. One thing I've noticed is the lack of face masks at the college level.
I'm surprised, really. Face masks have become very popular at the lower levels over the last few years. In fact, it's more odd to see a player, especially a pitcher, without a face mask than with one these days. Even middle infielders and outfielders who probably don't really need them are wearing them.
But in college, where the ball has the fastest exit speed and the players spend the most time in the weight room, you're hard pressed to find a mask on the field. In fact, I can't think of a single one.
Maybe this will be like the masks on batting helmets. A few years ago you never saw one. Now they're more common.
Still, you have to wonder why you're not seeing any. Is it that the culture is still too "macho" to allow it, i.e. peer pressure? Do the coaches discourage it?
The other thing I wonder is if when the current 12U and 14U players who have used masks their whole careers reach college, will they wear them, or will they stop?
What do you think? Why aren't the current college players wearing them, and will the next generation do it?
More...
I'm surprised, really. Face masks have become very popular at the lower levels over the last few years. In fact, it's more odd to see a player, especially a pitcher, without a face mask than with one these days. Even middle infielders and outfielders who probably don't really need them are wearing them.
But in college, where the ball has the fastest exit speed and the players spend the most time in the weight room, you're hard pressed to find a mask on the field. In fact, I can't think of a single one.
Maybe this will be like the masks on batting helmets. A few years ago you never saw one. Now they're more common.
Still, you have to wonder why you're not seeing any. Is it that the culture is still too "macho" to allow it, i.e. peer pressure? Do the coaches discourage it?
The other thing I wonder is if when the current 12U and 14U players who have used masks their whole careers reach college, will they wear them, or will they stop?
What do you think? Why aren't the current college players wearing them, and will the next generation do it?
More...