Not the same. Every time a pitcher throws the ball it is coming towards the catcher and hitter. The catcher has no time to react to a foul tip.

 

...and the pitchers I've seen hit have had no time to react to the hit. I'm not talking about defenseless players that shouldn't be on the mound. I'm talking about D1 recruits that couldn't protect themselves! Yes, a catcher will experience it more frequently, but it only takes one time for a pitcher. I could care less whether the corners wear them. But the pitcher is a different story and it should be mandatory. All you that don't think it should have obviously never seen it happen. Could care less about all the comparisions to other sports and other positions. It's a saftey issue that has evolved in softball due to the bats and balls. It needs addressed. Period!

...and the pitchers I've seen hit have had no time to react to the hit. I'm not talking about defenseless players that shouldn't be on the mound. I'm talking about D1 recruits that couldn't protect themselves! Yes, a catcher will experience it more frequently, but it only takes one time for a pitcher. I could care less whether the corners wear them. But the pitcher is a different story and it should be mandatory. All you that don't think it should have obviously never seen it happen. Could care less about all the comparisions to other sports and other positions. It's a saftey issue that has evolved in softball due to the bats and balls. It needs addressed. Period!

 

I've never said I'm against it becoming mandatory. What I've been saying is that if a parent is worried then have their kids wear one.

I don't think it should be mandatory but I do think it should be allowed and not looked down upon if a player wears one. It should be the players choice (especially when they are older) but safety also need to be a priority. I read an article on a D1 pitcher making her own decision to wear a pitchers mask- http://newsok.com/gallery/articleid/4869342/1/pictures/2707722 And just read another article on the first MLB player to sport a pitchers helmet on his own decision as well- http://www.pitchershelmet.com/who-was-the-first-pitcher-to-wear-protective-headgear/ A lot of little leagues or young children in sports have different rules in order to keep them safer...I don't think this should be any different. If leagues want to require them, maybe start requiring them for the very young players first and see where that goes.

Just got back from watching a Rec League game (where another BGP member was present) where 4th and 5th graders were playing. There was a ROCKET hit back up the middle that deflected off the pitchers throwing hand that was up near her face. Nobody was wearing masks. At that level I find it shocking they weren't required.

 

As the BGP member said " a few inches to the left, and we're having a different conversation"

 

It just makes sense, people! Why not take the precautions at all levels?

Unfortunately it will probably take something horrific happening before it is mandated. I can't understand why a coach wouldn't demand safety for their players. My daughter played on a team and it wasn't even talked about, then the BEST player on the team took a line drive off of her face while playing in at third. Coach borrowed mask from the other team for the rest of the game and told the girls they would wear mask going forward or they would play in the outfield. He had to see it up close for it to change his mind.

I've had this discussion many times and I'm not saying I'm right or wrong. This is just my opinion and it has a lot to do with what several have said already. I do believe the differnce in talent levels can be tough in high school. We have a team in our district (that we have to play) and I could sit all my starters and I would still be worried one of their players may get hurt. Now I know that is an extreme scenario, but high school teams are scattered with kids that play for fun and like the competitiveness. But playing against kids that are going D1 and hit the ball as hard as some men is a whole other story that kids may not be ready for.

 

Secondly, I'm for making it mandatory for the pitchers and here's why.

Pitchers are coming forward and concerned with pitching when they are on the mound. They must change focus in their brain from being aggressive to being defensive. Yes, they may end up in a better defensive postion than baseball players, but sball players are much closer by the time they release the ball. I don't have an issue with whether an infielder wants to or not because they can chose where to they play. Pitchers can't scoot back".

 

Also, colleges don't like to see kids they are recruiting wearing masks. They can't in college, so it is one thing (on a list of many) that they look at. If a kid that has desire to play in college and gets wind of that, there is no way they would chose to wear a mask. Also, it's hot. It slips around. i can see. These are all arguments they have with their parents, including the college argument. Most coaches don't feel they can inforce it without the backing of the parents. So we move on. If it were a state rule, there would be no choice but to wear them. No fights with the parents and coaches and the excuse about college gets taken out of their hands. They are still kids that think they know everything. I say fail on the side of saftey. If you've ever seen it happen, there is no doubt you would be the first one on here promoting it. If it saves one kid, it's worth it to me. Take the decision out of their hands and make is safe.

 

And for all you guys comparing it to baseball, it's not baseball. It's a MUCH faster game. That's why it's fun! And if masks for save a baseball pitcher, i'd be all for that as well. The games always evolve. Just like someone said, we used to have football helmuts without face masks. You guys that are against it were probably on BGP in the 50's saying to hell with the face masks. We don't need it!

 

Here's the speed of the game

Sport Science: The Speed of Softball - ESPN Video - ESPN

 

 

The bolded is the best point I have read about making the mask mandatory for pitchers and optional for all other players.

KSHAA Board of Control will vote Monday on bylaw to require masks for 1B/3B/P.

KSHAA Board of Control will vote Monday on bylaw to require masks for 1B/3B/P.

 

This should be interesting….:popcorn:

KSHAA Board of Control will vote Monday on bylaw to require masks for 1B/3B/P.

 

I'm glad they are looking at this and hope it passes. I wish NCAA would do the same.

This should be interesting….:popcorn:

 

I say it passes, but who knows. I know one team that will be wearing them regardless.

Just read this article and wanted to share! Hopefully the board and players will see that there really is an issue! http://www.journalreview.com/sports/article_5fd5f282-0957-11e4-ae40-0019bb2963f4.html

Even if it doesnt become mandatory, I'd like the board, little leagues, and such to openly say why wearing a mask is a good idea for players, to show that they are behind those that choose to wear them.

Board voted to "recommend" that 1B/P/3B wear masks, not a requirement.

 

Like I said before, I know one team that will be wearing them anyway.

Board voted to "recommend" that 1B/P/3B wear masks, not a requirement.

 

Like I said before, I know one team that will be wearing them anyway.

So basically they are sitting on their hands...:no:

KHSAA- Is that parent or Guardian that wants someone else to tell there kid they have to wear a mask!

My fear at the high school level is the age and talent gaps. You have girls who have D1 power playing against girls who play just to have fun and be with friends.

 

That's why we pitch those girls "outside", and make them chase a bad pitch. :lol: