Getting hit in the head by a thrown or batted baseball can cause severe injury. Batting helmets keep hitters and baserunners safe when balls are flying around, helping to avoid catastrophic head injuries. Batting helmets cover the ears, and some feature facemasks that add even more protection. All hitters in baseball and fast-pitch softball must wear a helmet when batting and running the bases.
Earflaps
Earflaps were not part of early-day batting helmets, and it was a long time before they became official at the professional level. According to the Sports Safety Blog, Major League Baseball began requiring at least one earflap in 1983. Most professional hitters who are not switch hitters have one earflap on their helmets; switch hitters sometimes have double-flapped helmets. Little League and high school players wear helmets with two flaps. Some players say that the earflaps can get in a hitter's line of vision.
Facemasks
Facemasks for batting helmets are more common in fast-pitch softball. In 2004, the
National Federation of State High School Associations Softball Rules Committee made it mandatory that high school players wear approved facemasks on their helmets. Facemasks are usually thick wire types like those on football helmets, but the mask also can be one solid piece of thick plastic. Baseball players are not required to wear facemasks, but some choose to, especially those recovering from facial injuries.
Sizing
Batting helmets come in a variety of sizes, and a one-size-fits-all approach can put hitters in danger. A helmet that fits too loosely transfers some of the blow from a ball to the player's head, and the plastic rim of the helmet can get shoved into the player's forehead. A helmet that is too tight can give a player a headaches and can leave the upper neck exposed on the backside. Players can add foam inserts to make helmets that are too large fit better.
New Technology
During the 2006 MLB season, the New York Mets began wearing the Rawlings Coolflo batting helmets, and the equipment is now available to all teams. According to the Rawlings Gear website, the Coolflo helmet has 15 air vents, much different than solid helmets of the past. The air vents help with ventilation and moisture reduction, and some players say the vents help reduce the sting from a thrown or batted ball.
Cost
Batting helmets range widely in price, from $9 to around $60 in 2010. The wide array of prices reflects the amount of small details like two-tone paint, holes for air ventilation and a spot in the back of the helmet for ponytails. Most Little League teams provide helmets for players, as do high school and college teams. Professional players purchase their own helmets. You can buy batting helmets online or at local sporting goods stores.
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