While softball and baseball catchers are required to wear masks, infielder masks remain optional pieces of safety equipment for players. However, in recent years, both sports have developed into hitters' games versus pitchers' games thanks to advances in bat technology and alterations to the rules. The resulting increase in injuries from batted balls has prompted many infielders to don masks in the hopes of avoiding accidents.
History
Infielder masks arrived on the scene around the same time as composite bats. In the early 2000s, manufacturers developed softball and baseball bats composed of graphite, plastic and other lightweight materials that increased performance without sacrificing swing speed. Because of these developments, batted balls have been clocked at speeds of 115 mph. The technology behind composite bats significantly reduces the defensive player's reaction time, increasing the risk of injury and, consequently, the need for infielder masks.
Significance
According to the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study, the average baseball or softball player sustains one injury every 800 times he or she takes the field for practice or a game. In both sports, the most common reasons for injury involve getting hit by the ball, and the majority of the damage caused by these accidents occurs in the face and results in surgery. Specific injuries include broken noses, shattered cheek bones, crushed eye sockets, root canals, hearing loss, concussions and even neurological damage. Players who have suffered these injuries believe that infielder masks can prevent most if not all of these traumas.
Features
Infielder masks offer protection without sacrificing visibility or agility. Unlike catcher's masks, infielder masks attach directly to the head and do not require a full helmet. They also include a vision slot that, while too small for a softball or baseball to fit through, is large enough to support full peripheral vision. Adjustable foam pads offer additional comfort and protection by preventing unwanted shifting and diffusing impact forces.
Types
Infielder mask manufacturers utilize both wire and polycarbonate in their designs. Regardless of material, numerous models exist depending on the level of protection a player desires. While some masks cover the entire face, others focus only on the eyes, nose and cheeks. Some models even offer wrap-around padding that extends the protection from the forehead to the temples and even the ears. While the cost depends on the level of protection, a solid infielder masks can be purchased for less than $50.
Potential
While both softball and baseball players can use infielder masks, controversy exists concerning whether they should be mandatory for certain softball positions. The dimensions of a softball field remain significantly smaller than those employed in baseball. The pitcher stands a mere 43 feet from home plate, and with only 60 feet between bases, many first- and third-basemen play within 10 feet of the batter in order to cover bunts and throw out speedy runners. No softball governing agency currently requires infielder masks, although many coaches and parents push for rules that would force at least pitchers and corner players to protect their faces.
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