Hope TJ is well.

[Maahfaace]

What we really need is for someone to invent forcefields already.

 

 

Lots of bites on the line today.

[Dick_Pole]

I have a suggestion:

 

http://www.hovding.com/how_hovding_works

[Spanky99]

For the record I don't ever think they will go with shields but these will eventually become standard

 

http://sports.cbsimg.net/images//visual/whatshot/CbB75YAW8AAcrfo.jpg

 

When?

[TheHurl]

When?

 

They are MLB approved now, so probably as soon as they are inexpensive enough that teams at all levels can use them and pitchers are used to them before they are drafted.

[Boxcar]

I have a suggestion:

 

http://www.hovding.com/how_hovding_works

 

Oh man, I laughed pretty hard at that one. You saved that bookmark for the perfect moment.

[Grant77]

I think they are more concerned with looking cool to be honest.

 

Pitchers are grown men and have the right to weigh the safety considerations in any way that they see fit. Changes in safety equipment need to start at the grassroots level.

[TwistedLogic]

This is probably a stupid question for a reason that I'm overlooking, but why has nobody ever suggested the idea of simply getting pitchers to wear batting helmets?

[TheHurl]

Pitchers are grown men and have the right to weigh the safety considerations in any way that they see fit. Changes in safety equipment need to start at the grassroots level.

 

Now change the word pitchers to workers in a mine. Does it still work for you?

[TheHurl]

This is probably a stupid question for a reason that I'm overlooking, but why has nobody ever suggested the idea of simply getting pitchers to wear batting helmets?

 

Very few helmets fit well (especially in the lower levels where multiple kids wear the same helmet). It was stopped in minor league ball as it was leading to other safety issues. Fitted helmets in the minors and majors...it's probably for the same reasons people have discussed (comfort and look)

[Grant77]

Now change the word pitchers to workers in a mine. Does it still work for you?

 

I don't think that athletes and labourers are comparable in this conversation.

 

In any case, safety equipment that protects against injuries that are so extremely unlikely is generally optional in any profession.

[Boxcar]

Pitchers are grown men and have the right to weigh the safety considerations in any way that they see fit. Changes in safety equipment need to start at the grassroots level.

 

Let's throw away hard hats and safety boots on a jobsite. These are grown men, they can make their own decisions. Who cares if their employers and insurers have to foot the bill if they get hurt?

[Boxcar]

I don't think that athletes and labourers are comparable in this conversation.

 

In any case, safety equipment that protects against injuries that are so extremely unlikely is generally optional in any profession.

 

As usual, you have no f***ing clue what you're talking about.

[intentional wok]

Yeah I've worked in environments where you could almost swear guys were TRYING to get hurt. Everything from skipping safety boots and glasses, setting up power tools sloppily, etc.

 

Safety gear should be non-negotiable, like wearing a helmet in football. You're not being paid to be a daredevil. All it takes is one unlikely accident to lose a finger or an eye or worse.

[John_Havok]

Pitchers are grown men and have the right to weigh the safety considerations in any way that they see fit. Changes in safety equipment need to start at the grassroots level.

 

This same s*** was said about catchers masks, warning tracks, goalie masks, helmets in hockey, half-visors, christ even batting helmets.... grown men as a group are pretty much f***ing morons when it comes to making decisions about their safety.

[Grant77]

This same s*** was said about catchers masks, warning tracks, goalie masks, helmets in hockey, half-visors, christ even batting helmets.... grown men as a group are pretty much f***ing morons when it comes to making decisions about their safety.

 

Many, if not all, of these changes were brought on by the players and not enforced by the league until they were already in common use. I expect that is what will happen with pitcher helmets, if the change is made at all.

[FrozenRopes]

There is nothing stopping pitchers or players from wearing safety gear today. Players know the risk and prefer to be comfortable. It's the risk of the profession until something comfortable and not goofy looking is invented.

[Dick_Pole]

Oh man, I laughed pretty hard at that one. You saved that bookmark for the perfect moment.

 

Yup! I'm optimistic that it'll become the biggest board meme since the 5000 word essay on Bautista and Encarnacion's 50-50 chance of returning to Toronto.