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Protective masks?

Discussion in 'Softball Forum' started by EastOfRaleigh, Jul 23, 2007.

  1. Jul 23, 2007 at 2:00 PM #1
    EastOfRaleigh

    EastOfRaleigh Full Access Member

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    does this make you think about protective masks for softball pitchers & 3rd basemen?

    Tragic Minor League News
    Just wanted to pass word along about this if you haven't heard of it. More tragic news in the baseball world today as a minor league coach was killed after being struck with a line drive while coaching first base. My thoughts and prayers go out to him, his family and all that knew this man. Stories like this make you realize how dangerous sports are, even as a coach or spectator when you aren't actually playing.

    Link: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html
     
  2. Jul 23, 2007 at 2:28 PM #2
    sftball66

    sftball66 Junior Member

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    I think it is the player choice if they want to wear masks. Out of how many balls get hit to third or the pitcher how many times does it ACTUALLY hit them (other than in the shins)? If you have the reflexes then it should be your choice.
     
  3. Jul 23, 2007 at 4:15 PM #3
    cheeze105

    cheeze105 Moderator Staff Member

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    i asked my dd about this, in the hundreds of games that she pitched in, she can only remember two balls hit toward her face, both she caught due to reaction. she does however, remember several hits to the knee/shin area she couldnt field or get away from. i believe that the more skillful pitcher you are, the less the chances are of something getting hit down the middle, at you. mistakes made are chances taken on the mound. we have made it mandatory for all pitchers to wear face masks this year on our hs team. (inexperienced pitching), and have asked the third basemen to seriously consider this also.

    i have been hit three times at first base in hs and at least that many times at third base in tb. i've learned to: A) never turn my head away from the batter and B): stand sideways (i used to be a fat guy). its a risk we all take on the field.
     
    Last edited: Jul 23, 2007
  4. Jul 23, 2007 at 9:13 PM #4
    softball16

    softball16 Junior Member

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    I see a lot of young players wearing masks and I think it is a good idea. Over the years I have seen balls hit up the middle and go by the pitcher's head and the pitcher never sees the ball. Good defense can stop some balls hit at the head but with the bats,balls,and a strong batter you pray the ball isn't hit at their head. The best defense is being a good pitcher who keeps the ball on the corners. The biggest threat to a pitcher is an umpire who doesn't know what a strike is and makes them throw the ball down the middle of the plate. I'm not advocating making it mandatory for pitchers or infielders to wear masks but it is a good idea if they decide to wear them.
     
  5. Jul 24, 2007 at 11:13 AM #5
    change-up2

    change-up2 Full Access Member

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    Face masks on pitchers...

    The crack of the bat ........ then the cry of the the pitcher hit by a ball drilled back to the mound, a scary event that makes me sick to my stomach when I am a witness.. I took these pictures in Pigeon Forge TN. in a game of 14U back earlier this summer, of a younger 14U team from Georgia, where bad fielding position after her pitch release was probably the main reason for not protecting herself. But the ball came back at her in the half the blink of a eye...... Masks or 43' mounds may be the answer. I am not sure?


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    This girl was OK , just a shot to the shin and scared , she pitched the next day .
     
  6. Jul 24, 2007 at 11:54 AM #6
    player92

    player92 Junior Member

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    Ouch

    I was hit while on the mound in the shin in very early May of this season and still have quite a lump on my shin. Still hasn't gone away yet.Kind of bugs me.

    That hit looks terrible though.
     
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2007

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