(climbing up on the soapbox...preparing flame retardant underwear...and GO)
Ok, so if you haven't heard what happened to a young man in Florida, then I will let you know.. He was struck in the head and later died this past week. He was pitching in a game with no mask or helmet. He leaves behind a wife that he had just married. He was playing ball after returning from his honeymoon.
The discussion went from being about this young man and supporting his wife and family to being about the equipment. While I believe we all make a choice when playing this game, and that there is risk in anything we do, it's time for Texas (if not USSSA) to step up and be the first to do something about it. I don't care if it's NTX, STX, WTX...it makes no difference to me.
So here it is:
HELMET RULE - No helmet. No pitch. Facemasks are NOT enough. They do not cover the temple or the area behind the ear, which when struck in the right spot will kill you instantly. Leagues, tournaments, makes not difference. This is a simple rule to implement. To expensive? Your life isn't worth 75 bucks? If you pitch BUY A HELMET.
CHANGE THE BALL. Change the ball to the 52/300. I've been hit with both the ASA ball and the ZN. Argue that being hit by League players is not the same as being hit by tournament players, but if the ball hits your right your just as dead either way. The 52/300 (in USSSA it's a 52/275 known as the M+ ... but that ball is too bouncy, the 300 takes better hops) is a SAFETY BALL. We still see players routinely hitting the ball out of the parks at BLD ... so you can't say the performance will be an issue. You just have to spin it or hit it more square. It takes away the mis-hit homeruns and the half swing bombs.
We have an opportunity coming up. When SIS plays Monsta they will use the 52/300 on the larger fields. If they have scores similar to the MWS and the competition is solid I see NO REASON why USSSA would not adopt the ASA ball standard. PERIOD. I have said this before, and I'll say it again. If the 52/300 saves even 1 life then it was worth it.
(climbing down off the soapbox)
See ya'll out there.
Re: Pitcher Safety
Posted by Pitcher on December 19, 2017, 12:02 am, in reply to "Pitcher Safety"
I personally like this idea. With the bats being as hot as they are, if a pitcher continually decides not to wear a mask it is only matter of time before ONE BALL hits them. It takes ONE TIME to completely change someone's life.
Las Vegas Worlds
Posted by Keith on December 19, 2017, 1:36 am, in reply to "Re: Pitcher Safety"
We recently played in Vegas at what was titled “Vegas World” ran by All World Softball. Was pretty much Utrip Rules with a few changes. Face gear for pitchers were required. I agree helmets are better coverage but at least some type of head gear was required to pitch in that tourney. I just recently bought a brand new Lacrosse helmet at play it again sports in Plano for $45. I would pay quadruple that if need me to be protected for mine and my family’s sake.
Re: Pitcher Safety
Posted by 3xtreme Sports on December 19, 2017, 8:44 pm, in reply to "Pitcher Safety"
I saw 3xtreme Sports is making it mandatory for pitchers to wear masks in their tournies. I applaud them for this and hope all associations will think about the players safety, families of players 1st like they are instead of losing money because a team doesn't like that rule.
Re: Las Vegas Worlds
Posted by L.Martin on December 21, 2017, 5:20 am, in reply to "Las Vegas Worlds"
I started wearing a LaCrosse helmet when the U2 came on scene because of the bill, took a lot of grief from the guys at first back then. It’s a little hot during the summertime but why take a chance.