September 5, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy (32) holds his head after being hit in the head on a line drive by Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar (not pictured) during the fourth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE
After a horrifying injury and scare when a line drive smacked Oakland A’s pitcher Brandon McCarthy right in the head, many fans of the game and analysts are looking at potential ways to protect pitchers on the mound. As a result of the incident, Major League Baseball is studying the possibility of requiring additional headgear for pitchers per FOX Sports.
FOX Sports writes:
For pitchers, one compromise could be the placement of a foam or Kevlar sheet inside a player’s cap. NFL players already use supplemental helmet protection designed by Unequal Technologies. Other companies such as Evoshield offer protective guards for other parts of the body that could be adopted for pitcher’s caps.
With many major sports — most notable the NFL — focusing on head and brain issues, it would be wise for MLB to join the party. There is no negative that could come out of the possible head gear. It would protect players and would protect that matchups that bring fans into the stands.
Bringing added safety to the pitchers is a win-win for Major League Baseball.
Should the MLB force pitchers to wear head gear or is it a silly idea that is just being discussed to silence and possible criticism? Sound off in the comments section and let your voice be heard.
