Youth baseball is an exciting activity played every year by millions of young people around the world. Organizations like Little League, Pony League and Cal Ripken baseball give young players many opportunities to play baseball throughout the spring, summer and fall. Batters must wear protective equipment every time they go to the plate to preserve their safety.
Batting Helmet
A batting helmet is hard plastic and goes over the top of the head. It must cover both ears. The helmet must have foam padding underneath the hard plastic shell to provide protection to the young player. In nearly all youth leagues, the player must wear the batting helmet any time he is swinging the bat, whether it is in a game or in batting practice. He must wear the helmet when on base or in the on-deck circle.
Chin Strap
Players who are 8 years old or younger must wear helmets attached with chin straps. Normally, this is not a requirement of most leagues where players are older, even though pitchers start to throw harder at the ages of 9 through 12. Players must have the chin straps buckled at younger ages to keep the helmets in place, and they get the full protection of the device when up to bat or no the base path.
Mouth Guard
While encouraged, mouth guards are generally not a requirement in youth league baseball. A player can protect his teeth and limit the impact of being hit with the ball in terms of possible concussion when using a mouth guard. This device fits over the teeth, sometimes molded to the player's mouth. Advances in mouth protection have allowed players to wear them without feeling discomfort.
Face Masks
Face masks can attach over the front of the helmets. They protect the player's nose, cheekbones and jaw. There is usually an opening over the player's eyes that allows him to see the ball clearly. These devices are optional but encouraged. Some players find them distracting when trying to follow the baseball after it leaves the pitcher's hand. However, face masks can be useful when it comes to keeping batters injury-free.
Warning
Wearing batting helmets, face masks and mouth guards will reduce the number of injuries to players by placing a barrier between the player and the ball. However, wearing equipment will not eliminate the possibility of injuries. Parents and responsible guardians of players must realize that baseball can be a dangerous game when the player can be hit by the ball, the bat or another player.
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