Branch Rickey Weighs in on the Base Coach Helmet/Protection Debate

MAJOR BLOGS - www.majorblogs.net - I just finished reading your piece ("The Height of Cool," MAJOR BLOGS 07.29.07) and commend you on your balance and perspective. 

Because my grandfather had something to do with originating the batting helmet, and because I took a reject helmet from the first batch cast to wear in Little League and was therefore the first player to ever wear the modern helmet in competition, suffering all sorts of Little League ridicule in the process, this is an area of familiarity and interest.
 
You make a great point about the fact that what is odd today can be commonplace tomorrow, of course. 

Several PCL coaches have already spoken to me about their apprehension of being forced into required use so I am aware of the current resistance.

Coaches have for years taken liberty with where they stand.  I remember some coaches giving Frank Howard particular extra room.  Stargell got that, too, by some first base guys.  Rightfully so.
 
The neck/throat issue broadens the discussion.  I have spoken with a Hall of Fame pitcher who recounted how he suffered for weeks by not even being able to turn over at night without pain after having been drilled in the solar plexus.  
 
We have at least those vulnerabilities, and some others,  such that a practical, comfortable protection system is not yet within our realm of technology.
 
Branch

Branch B. Rickey III is the president of the Pacific Coast League (PCL). 

Comments

[Joe Seaver]

Could a possibility be for the base coaches to have an option of wearing a glove? Probably sounds a bit silly and would probably look silly for a while. But these guys are former players and could protect themselves by either catching or knocking the ball down. That is, if they are totally ready each and every pitch as much as the infielders.