[EmpireWF]

GMs decided during this week's meetings in Florida that first and third base coaches will wear protective headgear next year in the major leagues. According to the AP, the move comes just four months after Mike Coolbaugh was killed after being struck in the head by a line drive foul in a minor league game. Coolbaugh was standing in the first base coaches box.

MLB's Senior VP said, "We're going to come back in Nashville with some options: liners, hard caps, helmets without flaps, helmets with flaps."


Great move in my mind. Definitely should've happened sooner. Sad that a man had to lose his life to force their hand though.

[vincesanity82]

smart move, why its taken this long is beyond me..

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

smart move, why its taken this long is beyond me..

Yep, I agree. Why did it take so long? I mean, it's not like having them wear helmets hurts anything.

[LSC9901]

Keep in mind that they could have worn them if they really wanted to. Seems like they didn't feel all that threatened.

[simple simon]

of course i agree with you guys ............ i wonder if a pitcher will ever be on the mound with any type of facial protection, as i saw somewhere they are closer to the batter then a base coach ............. maybe someday a pitcher will wear a shield like guys in basketball

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by simple simon

of course i agree with you guys ............ i wonder if a pitcher will ever be on the mound with any type of facial protection, as i saw somewhere they are closer to the batter then a base coach ............. maybe someday a pitcher will wear a shield like guys in basketball

I could see that happening, though I think the eyes would need to be uncovered so it doesn't impair vision.

[ThePundit]

I think it's goanna look weird.

[suedon70]

Definitely a good idea, but they should still pay attention to the ball - Mike Coolbaugh was hit in the neck, not the head.....