New MLB Batting Helmets

[Cujo]

Safe or not, David Wright looks like a complete tool in that thing. I wouldn't wanna be caught dead wearing one of those helmets myself -- especially if it's two-toned with "NY" on the front.

[Michael_Studebaker]

These new helmets may look a little silly right now, but everyone will get used to them after a few years.

[BallWonk]

Safe or not, David Wright looks like a complete tool in that thing. I wouldn't wanna be caught dead wearing one of those helmets myself -- especially if it's two-toned with "NY" on the front.

Not being caught dead is pretty much the whole point of the new helmet. If you're not old enough to remember the 1970s, there was a time when millions of Americans said the same thing in response to government campaigns to encourage people to wear seat belts. And a very similar conversation took place when the military switched from its steel pot helmets to the modern helmets, in large part because the visor and ear/neck flap resembled old WWII German helmets. Heck, I know people who still complain about how hockey helmets make players look like pansies. And yet everyone wears seat belts and nobody complains that American soldiers look like Nazis adn the NHL hasn't been laughed out of existence. We'll get used to it. Compared to just wearing a ballcap to the plate, the first generation of pressed-felt helmets also looked doofuserifically huge; by today's standards, they look tiny and quaint.

I do wonder about baserunning. Why not simply switch to a cap on the bases, since a runner is at no greater danger of being hit by a batted ball than an infielder? Or switch to a basecoach-style helmet that sits lighter on the head.

[BBTV]

Safe or not, David Wright looks like a complete tool in that thing. I wouldn't wanna be caught dead wearing one of those helmets myself -- especially if it's two-toned with "NY" on the front.

Not being caught dead is pretty much the whole point of the new helmet. If you're not old enough to remember the 1970s, there was a time when millions of Americans said the same thing in response to government campaigns to encourage people to wear seat belts. And a very similar conversation took place when the military switched from its steel pot helmets to the modern helmets, in large part because the visor and ear/neck flap resembled old WWII German helmets. Heck, I know people who still complain about how hockey helmets make players look like pansies. And yet everyone wears seat belts and nobody complains that American soldiers look like Nazis adn the NHL hasn't been laughed out of existence. We'll get used to it. Compared to just wearing a ballcap to the plate, the first generation of pressed-felt helmets also looked doofuserifically huge; by today's standards, they look tiny and quaint.

I do wonder about baserunning. Why not simply switch to a cap on the bases, since a runner is at no greater danger of being hit by a batted ball than an infielder? Or switch to a basecoach-style helmet that sits lighter on the head.

Except that infielders are looking right at the batter expecting the ball to be hit at them, while runners are focusing on the next base (especially if stealing.) Runners are also susceptible to being hit by throws - again, often when not in position to see said throw.

[njmeadowlanders]

Wright is not wearing it today, presumably because the new one "doesn't fit him well". I don't know if that's code for "He looks like a dork" or not, but it is what it is.

[BallWonk]

Except that infielders are looking right at the batter expecting the ball to be hit at them, while runners are focusing on the next base (especially if stealing.) Runners are also susceptible to being hit by throws - again, often when not in position to see said throw.

Yes, but I can only recall ever seeing one baserunner hit in the head with a batted or thrown ball, whereas I can recall many instances of fielders who were so hit. This might have something to do with the rules of the game and the incentives they create: a baserunner who makes contact with a batted ball is out, and a fielder who hits a runner with a thrown ball just about guarantees that the runner will be safe. So in fact baserunners take great care to avoid being hit by batted balls, and fielders try very hard to avoid hitting runners with thrown balls. As a result, baserunners are the people on the field who have the least need for protective headgear.

[crashcarson15]

Except that infielders are looking right at the batter expecting the ball to be hit at them, while runners are focusing on the next base (especially if stealing.) Runners are also susceptible to being hit by throws - again, often when not in position to see said throw.

Yes, but I can only recall ever seeing one baserunner hit in the head with a batted or thrown ball, whereas I can recall many instances of fielders who were so hit. This might have something to do with the rules of the game and the incentives they create: a baserunner who makes contact with a batted ball is out, and a fielder who hits a runner with a thrown ball just about guarantees that the runner will be safe. So in fact baserunners take great care to avoid being hit by batted balls, and fielders try very hard to avoid hitting runners with thrown balls. As a result, baserunners are the people on the field who have the least need for protective headgear.

I've seen it happen many times.

[slapshot]

I've seen a few runners at first base hit by thrown balls during attempts at avoiding being picked off. You'll notice many runners put their right hands up by the side of their heads just in case the first baseman has butter fingers.

And if they're diving head first, they have no way to protect their heads, because both hands are reaching forward at the base.

[jojotarantino]

Ditch the Cool-Flo helmets and go back to the regular ones. Not nearly as thin and more padding. Plus they actually look normal. Problem solved. These big things may give a player whiplash or snap their neck as they're running the bases.

There is no difference in the padding between a Cool Flo and the older style. The only difference is the vents and different contours of the shell of the Cool Flo.

[STL FANATIC]

Has anyone ever died from being hit in the head with a pitch since the current helmets were introduced? Had their career ended?

Serious questions.

If the answer, however, is no, then it's very unnecessary to mandate these things. It's already fairly rare (once a season maybe?) for a player to suffer a concusson from a HBP. Suffering enough or severe enough of a concussion to warrant a change in helmets seems like a less than needed decision.

[FiddySicks]

Safe or not, David Wright looks like a complete tool in that thing. I wouldn't wanna be caught dead wearing one of those helmets myself -- especially if it's two-toned with "NY" on the front.

Not being caught dead is pretty much the whole point of the new helmet. If you're not old enough to remember the 1970s, there was a time when millions of Americans said the same thing in response to government campaigns to encourage people to wear seat belts. And a very similar conversation took place when the military switched from its steel pot helmets to the modern helmets, in large part because the visor and ear/neck flap resembled old WWII German helmets. Heck, I know people who still complain about how hockey helmets make players look like pansies. And yet everyone wears seat belts and nobody complains that American soldiers look like Nazis adn the NHL hasn't been laughed out of existence. We'll get used to it. Compared to just wearing a ballcap to the plate, the first generation of pressed-felt helmets also looked doofuserifically huge; by today's standards, they look tiny and quaint.

I do wonder about baserunning. Why not simply switch to a cap on the bases, since a runner is at no greater danger of being hit by a batted ball than an infielder? Or switch to a basecoach-style helmet that sits lighter on the head.

Except that infielders are looking right at the batter expecting the ball to be hit at them, while runners are focusing on the next base (especially if stealing.) Runners are also susceptible to being hit by throws - again, often when not in position to see said throw.

That and baseball games take long enough as it is. Taking even more time to switch out helmets after every hit could kill momentum. That and teams are already trying to cut down on the amount of helmets they carry with them and even buy (just look at the A's this season).

[BBTV]

http://zozone.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/09/the_great_gazoo.html

"It's not the first time I've been called Gazoo." - Shane Victorino.Victorino tried the new Rawlings S100 batting helmet in his firsttwo at-bats during last night's 2-1 victory over the Giants. The helmetis said to withstand a 100 mph fastball. It's also huge (some might say ginormous), which has generated many Great Gazoo/Dark Helmet/Marvin Martian references in recent days.

The verdict?

"I gave it a run," Victorino said. "David Wright gave it a run. Ryan Dempstergave it a run. It was fine, other than it was rather large. I justthought I'd try it. They called me Gazoo. I don't think too many peopleare going to wear it. The girth of that thing. I don't think anybody isgoing to wear it because it's so big."

Chase Utley said "not at this point" would he wear the helmet.

"I understand the protection factor," said Utley, who leads theMajors with 19 hit by pitches this season and 93 since 2006. "I'm notreally ready to make the switch. It's a little big and a little heavy."

[Gothamite]

Safe or not, David Wright looks like a complete tool in that thing. I wouldn't wanna be caught dead wearing one of those helmets myself -- especially if it's two-toned with "NY" on the front.

Not being caught dead is pretty much the whole point of the new helmet. If you're not old enough to remember the 1970s, there was a time when millions of Americans said the same thing in response to government campaigns to encourage people to wear seat belts. And a very similar conversation took place when the military switched from its steel pot helmets to the modern helmets, in large part because the visor and ear/neck flap resembled old WWII German helmets. Heck, I know people who still complain about how hockey helmets make players look like pansies. And yet everyone wears seat belts and nobody complains that American soldiers look like Nazis adn the NHL hasn't been laughed out of existence. We'll get used to it. Compared to just wearing a ballcap to the plate, the first generation of pressed-felt helmets also looked doofuserifically huge; by today's standards, they look tiny and quaint.

I do wonder about baserunning. Why not simply switch to a cap on the bases, since a runner is at no greater danger of being hit by a batted ball than an infielder? Or switch to a basecoach-style helmet that sits lighter on the head.

Except that infielders are looking right at the batter expecting the ball to be hit at them, while runners are focusing on the next base (especially if stealing.) Runners are also susceptible to being hit by throws - again, often when not in position to see said throw.

That and baseball games take long enough as it is. Taking even more time to switch out helmets after every hit could kill momentum. That and teams are already trying to cut down on the amount of helmets they carry with them and even buy (just look at the A's this season).

Happens already - batters reach base, unstrap all their body armor, and hand it off to a coach. Wouldn't take any more time to swap out helmets.

[royal rooters]

I've seen a lot of pitchers hit in the head by a ball being hit back. I've even had that happened to me back when I played. I wouldn't be surprised to some pitchers adopt helmets soon. Every time it happens it scares the crap out of everyone, not to mention messes up the psychology of the pitcher for awhile.

As far as these go, they look goofy now but I could see twenty years from now looking at stock footage and seeing the current helmets as practically no protection. I'm not usually the one for protection overkill, but I really don't think you can be "too safe" when it comes to head injuries. Plus does it really look that odd compared to some batter protection. Batters wear elbow sleeves that practically cover the whole arm, and shin pads that take up 1/2 the leg, does an over sized helmet really bother you more than those?

[Survival79]

David Wright ditches ridiculous looking new helmet, but can't shake the Great Gazoo

by Brian Costa/The Star-Ledger

Friday, September 04, 2009, 6:00 AM

DENVER -- After two days of non-stop jokes -- all at his expense -- David Wright ditched his Great Gazoo helmet Thursday and went back to the standard-issue one he has worn throughout his career.

Wright first wore the new Rawlings S100 when he returned from a concussion Tuesday against the Rockies. He wore a slightly different version of the new, more protective helmet during a pinch-hit at-bat Wednesday. By Thursday morning, he had had enough.

Wright could live with the teasing, but he could no longer play with a helmet he said just didn't fit right.

"It's just not comfortable," Wright said. "The last thing I need to be worrying about in the box is trying to shove it on my head. I wanted to go back to the old one and just wait to see if there are going to be any adjustments made."

That didn't stop people from poking fun at him, though. After being widely parodied on sports television shows Wednesday for the way he looked in the monstrous S100, Wright took some more ribbing Thursday.

A fan sitting behind home plate at Coors Field shouted, "Where's your special helmet?" Braves catcher Brian McCann, who started wearing prescription glasses to correct a vision problem earlier this year, texted him: "I thought I looked bad with the glasses."

And a picture of the Great Gazoo, the cartoon character from "The Flinstones" that Wright resembled in his new helmet, remained hanging over his locker after the game, next to a Rawlings logo.

Right fielder Jeff Francoeur said he didn't think Wright, who went 3 for 4 with three RBI, would go back to the new helmet anytime soon.

"After a day going 3 for 4 with the old helmet, I think he's done with it," Francoeur said. "Hitting is all about being comfortable. You're already worrying about trying to hit 95 [mph]. Now you're worrying about what's on your head. It just doesn't work."

[pcgd]

Remember when the Revolution Helmet was "weird" and looked odd in the NFL?

That was what...5 years ago? Today you see the older helmets and THEY look odd.

This is the same thing. If enough people start using them, they'll look normal and you'll barely notice them. I barely notice the Cool-Flo ones anymore. I'm sure people made the exact same arguements (too big, too heavy) when they started wearing helmets in the first place, and now...could you imagine NOT wearing one?

Sorry, I know they look funny and if I was still playing I might say the same thing, but head protection when you're facing a 90+ mph fastball is the most important thing. I doubt very many people even knows what 90mph as a batter or catcher even looks like...hell I played baseball for 20+ years and only saw it once...and let me tell you...its fast. I refuse to make fun of anyone that wants to protect their head. I know it only happens a few times a year that someone gets beaned in the head, but I think its luck anyone hasn't been more seriously injured. It just takes one well placed ball and you're career (and possibly life) could be over. Ask Juan Encarnacion. That was a batted ball but one second he was a major leaguer, and the next he's fighting to just have his vision.

[McCall]

Remember when the Revolution Helmet was "weird" and looked odd in the NFL?

That was what...5 years ago? Today you see the older helmets and THEY look odd.

This is the same thing. If enough people start using them, they'll look normal and you'll barely notice them. I barely notice the Cool-Flo ones anymore. I'm sure people made the exact same arguements (too big, too heavy) when they started wearing helmets in the first place, and now...could you imagine NOT wearing one?

Sorry, I know they look funny and if I was still playing I might say the same thing, but head protection when you're facing a 90+ mph fastball is the most important thing. I doubt very many people even knows what 90mph as a batter or catcher even looks like...hell I played baseball for 20+ years and only saw it once...and let me tell you...its fast. I refuse to make fun of anyone that wants to protect their head. I know it only happens a few times a year that someone gets beaned in the head, but I think its luck anyone hasn't been more seriously injured. It just takes one well placed ball and you're career (and possibly life) could be over. Ask Juan Encarnacion. That was a batted ball but one second he was a major leaguer, and the next he's fighting to just have his vision.

Yeah, but those were scenarios of basically just adding vents to regular sized helmet shells. This is a major increase in the size of the helmet. And Encarnacion was hit in the eye, something not even the bigger helmet could've prevented.

[Wheelhouse]

Since players seem to be complaining about the weight of the thing, it seems as if the argument about the guy being uncomfortable and therefore more susceptible to injury in the batter's box has won out. Is there any way we could make these things lighter? I'm interested in exactly how much heavier the new helmets actually are.

[pcgd]

Remember when the Revolution Helmet was "weird" and looked odd in the NFL?

That was what...5 years ago? Today you see the older helmets and THEY look odd.

This is the same thing. If enough people start using them, they'll look normal and you'll barely notice them. I barely notice the Cool-Flo ones anymore. I'm sure people made the exact same arguements (too big, too heavy) when they started wearing helmets in the first place, and now...could you imagine NOT wearing one?

Sorry, I know they look funny and if I was still playing I might say the same thing, but head protection when you're facing a 90+ mph fastball is the most important thing. I doubt very many people even knows what 90mph as a batter or catcher even looks like...hell I played baseball for 20+ years and only saw it once...and let me tell you...its fast. I refuse to make fun of anyone that wants to protect their head. I know it only happens a few times a year that someone gets beaned in the head, but I think its luck anyone hasn't been more seriously injured. It just takes one well placed ball and you're career (and possibly life) could be over. Ask Juan Encarnacion. That was a batted ball but one second he was a major leaguer, and the next he's fighting to just have his vision.

Yeah, but those were scenarios of basically just adding vents to regular sized helmet shells. This is a major increase in the size of the helmet. And Encarnacion was hit in the eye, something not even the bigger helmet could've prevented.

But the look was still pretty radical compared to the norm. I'm just saying all this stuff is shocking until its around for awhile and then it becomes the norm and its no big deal.

I only brought up Encarnacion as to what CAN happen when you get hit in the wrong place in the head at those speeds. If these helmets even provide 10% more protection its hard to argue against their use IMO.

[baseballking99]

Based on this picture you can see that the cool flo helmets do have less padding then the standard helmets. When Chipper Jones first saw the Cool flo he said he would never use it because it looked much less safe. Apparently he has changed his mind though because I have seen him wearing it recently.

My solution to the problem would be to use the existing plastic shell and just change the padding on the inside. There has to be some material out there that is better than what they currently use. You can see the padding doesn't even line the entire helmet. That would help too. Wright was hit above the headband padding and below the top padding from what I saw in pictures and the video. If there was padding there maybe his injury wouldn't have been a severe.

Obviously we will get used to any changes that are made but why should we have to settle for a second rate solution?