04-12-2018, 06:49 PM
N-OS X-tasy! wrote:
[quote=macphanatic]
[quote=N-OS X-tasy!]
For a four-year-old T-ball player? Why not just wrap them up in bubble wrap and send them out to play?
For a couple of reasons. First, they learn to wear the appropriate protective gear all the time. As they get older, it gets more challenging to get them to start using it if they haven't. Second, while most of the kids have limited hitting, throwing, and fielding abilities, there will be a few that can hit and throw hard. Not to mention the freak event with the kid that has never hit the ball getting really lucky with a hard line drive.
Ah... indoctrination it is, then. Kinda like teaching religion at that age.
macphanatic wrote:
My boys have been playing at different levels over the last 13 years. I've seen the freak events happen - the kid that never hit a pitch nailed one that hit an infielder and dropped him. Is it really worth saving $50-60 and risking the potential consequences?
I bought my son the Evoshield for his wrist - $35. He wound up getting nailed in that wrist. No injury. The ump said that had he not been wearing it, his wrist would have been broken. His season would have been over and I would have spent a minimum of $250 medical deductible.
I'm not advocating that kids should NEVER wear protective gear. I'm saying that much of the protective gear being required in this particular instance really isn't necessary. Four-year-olds simply don't play at a level that necessitates it. I've NEVER seen a four-year-old hit a line drive hard enough to endanger a defensive player's safety.
Remember that its league 4 yo. There may be some 5 yo's playing. And I have seen a few little ones hit some really good line drives. Doesn't happen often, but all you need is once.
Without their own glove, how do you have a catch with them at home? They'll never learn to catch as a result of one game a week.
3d wrote:
I'm surprised the coach didn't make face guard attachments mandatory too. It's only 9 more dollars. Hmmm..... grinning smiley
The coach probably didn't make the list. The League probably gave it to him. I would expect that Little League will push or mandate the use of some facial protection in the near future. My understanding is that it's now required for all infielders and batters in Girls softball. More boys are using the jaw protector that bolts to the helmet (gaining popularity in the MLB as well).