I have noticed that everyone else that stands within a certain radius to the plate (back catcher, batter, and the umpire) all wear either head/face/chest protective gear, whereas the pitcher has NOTHING.  Even the next batter waiting to go to the plate wears a helmet, but for some reason it is considered acceptable for a pitcher to wear nothing. 

Last summer I attended a hardball tournament where a 13 year old pitcher was hit in the face by a line drive from the batter. When I heard he underwent hours of surgery to place metal plates in his face I began to wonder how often this actually happens. 

I suppose that pitchers and other baseball players might believe protective gear to be restrictive, but I have to believe ignoring this potential threat is having severe consequences for many of our children. 

Over the years many sport organizations have increased protection to their players. It might initially be met with resistance but eventually players get used to it. For example, hockey players didn't even use to wear helmets but now wear helmets, face guards, mouth guards and neck guards. Other examples come to mind such as the Equestrian community mandating helmets to all horseback riders under 18 who are simply trail riding. Surprisingly, even Bull Riders, who appear to be some of the roughest and toughest athletes, now accept wearing safety vests, neck braces and face protection. 

So, after last weekend’s ball game where an ambulance was called due to another boy being hit in the face by a baseball, I thought I'd write to see if others felt there was a need for some sort of protection for a pitcher. I'd be interested to hear your opinions and welcome you to contact me.

 A concerned parent,

Susan Wakutz
swakutz@sympatico.ca