Second concussion? 7 days? He'll be lucky. That hit could easily be worse than what quarterbacks get. NO protection. Tragic. Just tragic.
Part of the job? In baseball? Get another job? You must be kidding.
Part of the job? In baseball? Get another job? You must be kidding.
Through the early days of NHL Hockey, goaltenders wore no headgear or masks. It was common for goalies to be hit in the face by the puck, and veteran players had hundreds of facial stitches.
Montreal Canadiens goalie Jacques Plante innovated the use of a fiberglass mask in 1959 in NHL play. Similarly, players played without helmets until the 1970s. This safety gear was phased in by grandfathering existing players, for whom such equipment was optional. However, such equipment was mandatory for all players entering the League for the first time. Today, such equipment is ubiquitous.
Major League Baseball should be working on developing a light weight, perforated mask for use by pitchers. Carbon fiber or other contemporary materials are light and strong. Even a thin mask would absorb much of the energy from a line drive batted ball. If a NHL goalie can function with a mask, why not a baseball pitcher?
Montreal Canadiens goalie Jacques Plante innovated the use of a fiberglass mask in 1959 in NHL play. Similarly, players played without helmets until the 1970s. This safety gear was phased in by grandfathering existing players, for whom such equipment was optional. However, such equipment was mandatory for all players entering the League for the first time. Today, such equipment is ubiquitous.
Major League Baseball should be working on developing a light weight, perforated mask for use by pitchers. Carbon fiber or other contemporary materials are light and strong. Even a thin mask would absorb much of the energy from a line drive batted ball. If a NHL goalie can function with a mask, why not a baseball pitcher?
For the professional athlete injuries, either long term or instantly, are part of their job. Most jobs have similar risks. They could always become firefighters, construction workers or teachers.
A lot of commenters mention helmets as a solution. That won't offer protection to the face and head below the cap line, however.
Four MLB pitchers have now been hit in the head by line drives this year. All four were struck below the cap line.
Some pitchers -- but only one who has been hit in the head, Dan Jennings, now of the White Sox -- have taken to wearing caps equipped with additional protective material. Such a cap would not have helped Bryan Mitchell last night.
"I know they've talked about trying to find that protective cap for pitchers," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "They haven't come up with anything that looks very practical as of yet. The face is pretty much something that's going to be unprotected, no matter what you do."
Four MLB pitchers have now been hit in the head by line drives this year. All four were struck below the cap line.
Some pitchers -- but only one who has been hit in the head, Dan Jennings, now of the White Sox -- have taken to wearing caps equipped with additional protective material. Such a cap would not have helped Bryan Mitchell last night.
"I know they've talked about trying to find that protective cap for pitchers," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "They haven't come up with anything that looks very practical as of yet. The face is pretty much something that's going to be unprotected, no matter what you do."
1
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would a super-lightweight carbon fiber temple-protector work?
sort of like a carbon fiber headband?
it would be rigid, and would most likely distribute the impact over a few square inches
what do you think?
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would a super-lightweight carbon fiber temple-protector work?
sort of like a carbon fiber headband?
it would be rigid, and would most likely distribute the impact over a few square inches
what do you think?
.
The distance from mound to plate was established in another era, before weight training and year-round attention to batting mechanics. The fact is that by the time the pitch is delivered, the face of the pitcher is, perhaps, 55 feet from the point of contact AND, by definition, the pitcher is off balance, with his momentum heading toward the source of danger. Human reflexes and the mechanics of the pitch mean that the pitcher is essentially defenseless against a projectile coming at him at a high rate of speed. Only a full helmet (with Plexiglas shield or grill work) will give full protection. The question is whether this is an acceptable solution or whether an unprotected pitcher represents a risk that must be endured. Given the resistance of football to large-scale changes in the face of grimmer realities, I suspect that not much change will come to baseball.
2
Given the well-known problems with helmets (limited protection, balance-weight issues) the only sensible solution is to place a framed net in front of the pitcher similar to the type used in batting-practice but smaller in area or a pitcher's height adjustable framed net supported on a thin rigid pole. A batted ball that hits the net is still in play. Of course a pitcher will have to suffer a lost eye or lethal skull fracture before such a solution is implemented.
1
Move the mound back.
It's not just the ball. Pitchers are also 60 feet away from broken bats that can have points as sharp as spears.
Needless to say, a real solution won't come until a tragedy that can't be ignored.
Needless to say, a real solution won't come until a tragedy that can't be ignored.
1
surprised the article made no mention of Herb Score, pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, who was hit by a line drive off the bat of Gil McDougald in 1957. It so upset Gil, that he ran directly to the pitcher's mound instead of to first base. It certainly horrified this person who was 12 years old at the time
8
The article mentioned Score. I remember that event, too. McDougald said he would quit baseball if Score could never pitch again. Score may have been a Hall of Fame pitcher but for this accident. As I recall, he won 17 games in his rookie season and led the majors in strikeouts. The next year he won 20 games and led the majors with even more strikeouts. It was in May of his third season that he was hit and his career ruined.
3
It did: "Some pitchers, like Herb Score and Bryce Florie, were never the same after taking line drives to the head. One batter has been killed by a pitched ball — Ray Chapman of the Cleveland Indians, from the Yankees’ Carl Mays at the Polo Grounds in 1920 — and a minor league first-base coach, Mike Coolbaugh, died after taking a line drive to the neck in 2007."
1
Yes, I was surprised Herb Score wasn't mentioned either. I guess only us "old timers" (I was 14 at the time) remember. It's up to us to keep the memories alive.
1
And while I and everybody else hopes that Mitchell recovers completely, the conversation about protective netting along the baselines seems to have evaporated.
Tonya Carpenter was critically injured when a piece of a broken bat hit her in the face along one of Fenway Park's baselines not too long ago. A week or so after that, another woman was hit in the head with a batted ball, again at Fenway, along the baseline. Red Sox owners continue to sit on their hands.
In some smaller MLB parks, some fans are almost as close to the batter as the pitcher is. This is widely known. Yet in Boston, there were a boatload of yahoos on social media posting comments such as "Put the cell phone down!" or "Pay attention to the game!". Dare any one of them suggest that Bryan Mitchell wasn't paying attention to the game?
MLB must install protection down the baselines, following the example of the NHL which installed netting behind the goals.... Oh, but wait.... Somebody had to get killed before the NHL took action. Is that what they're waiting for?
Tonya Carpenter was critically injured when a piece of a broken bat hit her in the face along one of Fenway Park's baselines not too long ago. A week or so after that, another woman was hit in the head with a batted ball, again at Fenway, along the baseline. Red Sox owners continue to sit on their hands.
In some smaller MLB parks, some fans are almost as close to the batter as the pitcher is. This is widely known. Yet in Boston, there were a boatload of yahoos on social media posting comments such as "Put the cell phone down!" or "Pay attention to the game!". Dare any one of them suggest that Bryan Mitchell wasn't paying attention to the game?
MLB must install protection down the baselines, following the example of the NHL which installed netting behind the goals.... Oh, but wait.... Somebody had to get killed before the NHL took action. Is that what they're waiting for?
2
Helmet!!!!!!!
Its an anachronism that pitchers do not wear helmets given the danger. Baseball needs to mandate helmets at the little league level, let people get used to it, move it to the junior leagues, then to the major leagues. This is the same sequence used by hockey. It allows players to get used to it when they are young, and then play well when they mature. It should be a recommended option for all levels immediately before we have another fatality or major injury.
4
Don't forget Gil McDougald's line drive that hit Herb Score and put him out for the season.
1
You left out the Diamondbacks Archie Bradley in the list of pitchers hit in the face this year.
Chilling story! When my son played in Little League, when they used metal bats and he pitched, boy did we worry! Hats off to the Mets pitcher who's wearing the padded helmet, Alex Torres, who's down in the minors right now. He's the smart one.
2
The highest risk I see is at the competitive Little League level. There, the kids who play on teams in the Little League World Series tournament - going on now - are way too big and powerful for that small sized diamond. Many of these Little Leaguers, especially those born right after the July 31st cut off for eligibility, are huge. Bases are 60 feet apart and the pitcher's mound is 40 feet from home plate - or there about. And the release point upon the pitcher's stride makes it even shorter; maybe 3-6 feet.
Accordingly, the shorter distance creates a much shorter reaction time. This is exacerbated by the metal bats and the apparent velocity of the fast balls (big kids throwing fast balls a short distance).
This is where a change should be made.
Accordingly, the shorter distance creates a much shorter reaction time. This is exacerbated by the metal bats and the apparent velocity of the fast balls (big kids throwing fast balls a short distance).
This is where a change should be made.
4
Whatever the sport, the first reaction when new safety equipment is available is always "no," from players, from fans, from writers. "They didn't need that stuff in the old days!" is a typical excuse. But speed and strength seem to increase every season and in every sport, which leads to increased frequency and severity of injuries unless the equipment evolves to keep up with the players. It would be nice if it didn't take a literal blow to the head to get everyone's attention, but it seems to be the way things go.
Bigger players. Stronger players. Time to accept that and do something about it.
we don't need to be entertained at the price of pitchers--or football players, or boxers--losing their lives or their mental capacity. pitchers would get used to protective covering quickly enough if everyone were required to wear it.
1
My grandfather was a rising star pitcher for a minor league Wilkes Barre team in 1915 or so. A line drive from the plate smashed into his face, blinding him in one eye, ending a promising sports career. My best memories of him are playing catch with him out on the street.
10
Starting with Little League, wear masks. I was a young goalie just as masks came in and we adapted well. Someone is going to get killed.
4
That was scary indeed.
But why ONLY when a Yankee player get hit does Kepner go overboard?
We never heared him say a word when Juan Encarnacion, Alex Cobb or Buster Posey were hit...just to name a few!!
But why ONLY when a Yankee player get hit does Kepner go overboard?
We never heared him say a word when Juan Encarnacion, Alex Cobb or Buster Posey were hit...just to name a few!!
2
I am very sorry for Bryan Mitchell and everyone who witnessed this. I remember seeing Bryce Florie get hit in the face and it remains one of my most sickening memories. No one wants to see a player get seriously injured, it takes something away from the game forever. Appropriate headgear could be fashioned for pitchers, I hope MLB makes that a priority.
I wish Mr. Mitchell all the best with his recovery.
I wish Mr. Mitchell all the best with his recovery.
4
I see so many pitchers pray before they take the mound. I thought they wanted God to favor them in play, but perhaps they are simply praying for their safety!
I was at the old Yankee Stadium in the upper deck, and a foul ball came our way. You can't move fast enough to get out of the way. Pity the poor pitcher-- and protect him somehow. The game is now too fast, and the pitcher now throw harder than ever, necessitating some changes. Protect us all, please.
4
I think helmets should be worn to protect from injury (is is not uncommon). A good pitcher will adapt and be effective with the safety equipment. Mitchell was lucky.
4
I have a friend who suffers from moderate to severe post trauma headaches. His skull was grazed by a rifle bullet initially launched at ~2200 feet per second as he rested under the shade of a a hill top tree, overlooking the jungle in Central America. When it occurred, the event was not broadcast.
Time for the padded hat for pitchers.
Why not?
Why not?
Horrible incident and i truly hope Mitchell comes back stronger than ever. I also hope - for the future - he learns to finish his delivery in a good fielding position.
1
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bryan Mitchell. He's a young man with a bright future and not just on a baseball field....
I recall Bryce Florey getting really badly injured when hit in the eye by a line drive -- the ugliest thing I've ever seen on a ball field. Here's hoping that young Mr. Mitchell's injury is far less serious, and that we see him pitch successfully again.
1
I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often. Lets not start with the ridiculous suggestions, these guys have all been playing the game for a decade or more before making it to the 'bigs'. They are very well compensated and well aware of the risks.
1
Ghastly. It does not get any worse. The pitcher is defenseless.
Then what is that glove they wear for?
I was watching this game and saw Bryan got hit. It seemed like it took forever for the training staff to get to the mound. I also don't recall seeing the manager Joe Girardi running out their either.
Hope Bryan get's well well soon and glad the Yankees pulled this one out. Pretty long game, over 4 hours. Thought it was a good game!
Hope Bryan get's well well soon and glad the Yankees pulled this one out. Pretty long game, over 4 hours. Thought it was a good game!
If it were not a sport, but a normal work place, OSHA would not allow someone to work in such dangerous conditions without some form of safety guard or protective equipment.
Batters used to go up to the plate without protective helmets. Safety equipment has been added to baseball as the game has evolved. Its time to do something more to protect the pitcher, who is the closest player to home plate in fair territory, and who at the end of the pitch is in his follow through, and therefore in an awkward position to field the ball, and protect himself.
Batters used to go up to the plate without protective helmets. Safety equipment has been added to baseball as the game has evolved. Its time to do something more to protect the pitcher, who is the closest player to home plate in fair territory, and who at the end of the pitch is in his follow through, and therefore in an awkward position to field the ball, and protect himself.
35
I worked for years with Tony Conigliaro after he left baseball to become a sportscaster. That pitch that injured his eye and ended his career always dampened his moods every time we went out and interviewed major league players. He was happy to be alive, happy to have his eyesight, but always melancholy about what should have been.
1
It's time for pitchers to wear protective headgear.
37
like the great gazoo (torres) on the mets
No its not. How many pitches have been thrown in the Major Leagues, Minor Leagues, college ball, American Legion ball, etc. over the last 145 years? Take that number and divide it by the number of relevant incidents and you have a very, very small number. One approaching zero.
Silly, silly country.
Silly, silly country.
5
Check that. Divide it into.
Number of incidents/number of pitches thrown in competitive baseball over a century and a half.
Number of incidents/number of pitches thrown in competitive baseball over a century and a half.
2
Recover from your injury, keep your strength and get past the fright.
10
When I saw there pitcher hut in the head, it reminded me of Herb Score being hit in the face, when I was a teenager. I don't know his condition, but I hope he will be all right. No one wants to see such things. After that woman was hit in the head, all of the teams should protect people in the stadium seats best way possible.
17
In short, official Little League should step away from the influence of bat manufacturers and lead the way with a "Safety First" approach to youth baseball.