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Online now: 5 members: Allan55, BK28, Serv, TABLE SETTER 11, marvinknowles80; 97 anonymousDiscussion: picher's safety equipment
| Posted | Discussion |
| Dec. 24, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | picher's safety equipment now for all the pitchers who will be required to have safety equipment,or have to sign a waiver to pitch(which prolly won't hold up).who is gonna pay for the equipment that ssusa requires them to use,if it is ssusa will the pitcher get to keep it or turn it back in.how will it be sanitized for the next pitcher to use,what happens if a team uses more than one pitcher in a game. |
| Dec. 25, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Blood, sweat, and tears, your own, buy it or sign it. They don't supply the bats for us. |
| Dec. 25, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | A, there is no requirement. B, the player's should buy it. Catcher's equipment is required, and when my son and daughter played tournament baseball and softball the catchers all owned their own. taits, you are exactly correct. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | read the rule,if ya wanna pitch you are required to have safety equipment or sign some dumb waiver(which i don't think will hold water if someone does get hit). also on buying the equipment,why do we have to,any team i've ever played on bought the catcher's equipment not the person who was catching.yes we buy our bats(but didn't when i played high school BB) why do only certain people have to spend more,what happens if no one wants to spend the money or sign the dumb wavier,who is gonna pitch. your kids must of played for some cheap azz teams. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | sad puppy, EXACTLY. You DON'T have to wear the equipment. Your choice. All of the catchers on my kid's tourney teams owned their own, that is all I am basing it on. Not cheap at all. The kids would own their own bats and gloves, why would the catcher's gear be any different. Oh, and to answer your silly question they would sign the waiver and not have to worry about the equipment. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | The though of the extra layout doesn't appeal to me but if thy had or did buy it you know right off the fees would go trough the roof and accountability for the gear would be a night mare. Might have to get 3 sizes of the face mask; ego busted, regular and dim witt. On the reg irons; smurf, average (what ever that is) and jolly green giant or tall guy. Some how I can imaging a 100 buck team fee increase and a "cost" justification like that which was tried for the major teams for additional game time, I believe was 200. At least if you get your own, it should fit. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | it would be an one time expense for ss-usa and if most of the time they are using only 10 field thats 20 masks and shin guards,so i can't see why they couldn't and not raise the expense that much if any.its been passed around that each field director at major tourneys get upwards of $10 k per tourney, that seems a little much,why not use some of that for safety equipment.i would be willing to bet that it all could be done for less than $5k total with more than 20 sets bought,prolly closer to 50 sets bought,and that would cover all sizes and shapes and number of fields. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Maybe this; I'm the owner. This is me meal ticket & pays my employees... some times I make out well for an event, some times I break even or may even loose a bit, you really don't know (??dah :>?), cost outlay (repeat) but I may want not to bother with, inventory, the initial outlay, and having to make sure it is all returned after each game event for this. Heck the initial out lay ok, but why not just keep the fee increase along the way for any non returned items and having to go get replacements. The additional profit is a meal on them... No, you get your own, that way I have no need to worry about fit, size, color or much else and you can play without signing a pitchers protection waver... They don't have the room to store and move to all parks across the nation all this gear. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | What are you basing that figure on Robert. TD's get 10 Large per tourney??? Are you serious??? If that's so I'm gonna ask Dave for a job. Who's been supplying you info, Robert or do you dream this stuff up totally on your own. And as far a signing a waiver is concerned the majority of senior players would sign a waiver in a heartbeat to not sue SSUSA or any other association if you safety mongers would just leave us hell alone. I don't buy the most of the interest in safety concerns one freakin' bit and it smacks of other agendas and concerns. Our game has always been dangerous. A batted ball hitting someone directly will always hurt and/or break a bone. No guts, no glory. That's the game and if you don't wanna pitch anymore Robert or wear some gear it's time to get off the mound. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 spoonplugger Men's 60 95 posts | Merry Christmas -- If you think of one's safety, what about hygiene? Who want's to use a face mask that someone else sweated all up or even spit all over? Shin guards would have to be sprayed between every inning, just like rental bowling shoes between every user. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 Mr. Manassas 244 posts | Number one: I would not wear some generic safety equipment if you paid me...mersa and such!! I am one of those safety guys that believe that there has to be some standards for the equipment. You just can't have the ball going 150 mph through the infield. I am a pitcher and do not care if someone hits the middle...I just want to have a chance to field the ball.. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 GI Men's 60 228 posts | Well I just returned from sports store today and came home with a new Mask and Helmet, Not to bad alittle over 40.00 Could not find a leg and knee protection device but will keep on looking. Might as well buy a heart patch and few other things to plan ahead. I hate to think about having to wear this extra stuff after 25 years of pitching but if the balls flying by are going to keep flying by at faster rates than for my sake and grandchildren etc I guess it is worth the extra cost. Not real excited about wearing in PhX. in July- Aug 115 degrees . I was glad in trying today that seeing thru mask does not look like it will be a problem. With these lazer balls blazing by, I need all the help I can get. Sometimes equiptment just makes good sense, like the Heart DEfib. I do not know how much they cost I would guess 2,000 or more but can't put a cost on saving life. I do not know if entry fees were increased for this but again Thank God they have these at fields. We all make choices in life I am so glad to have a chance to spend time on the field with all you guys, We do not realize how blessed we are just to have this option to play, There are many that wish they had the heath again or had reached 50 to be on the field with us. Covering up this ugly mug with a mask may be a good thing for some HA. See you on the field. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | joe what is your point,i see nothing about the safety equipment and who should pay for it,you are just again,going on a tirade,please stick to the subject.I THINK I HAVE BROUGHT UP A VALID SUBJECT,ESPECAILLY FOR TEAMS WHO PAY THIER OWN WAYS.why does one person or 2 that will be pitching have to spend extra money to do so.and by the way,i'll pitch any time you want to hit,so come on man.not afraid of any of ya's.and yes i do still pitch for the kids and am in demand around here to do so. ok please reread my post,i did not say td's get this $,but field directors,at MAJOR TOURNEY'S. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 butch17 Men's 55 412 posts | I would say if there was a chance you might pitch bring your pitching gear and suite up when the time comes or sign the waiver before the game if it is a possibility that you may pitch. I would not want anyone buying the equipment for me that may prevent a serious injury. I guess that means I trust myself more others. :) |
| Dec. 26, 2009 Mr. Manassas 244 posts | I agree...I'll buy my own stuff.. I already have shin guards and I am looking into getting some sort of head gear. |
| Dec. 26, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | butch,mrM yes i can agree with ya's on this buying your own stuff,what about ss-usa giving the people money for that extra expense.also as a back-up i will need to carry my stuff all the time with me,thats a pain also. |
| Dec. 27, 2009 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | Guys, I play with two really good defensive pitchers.(by the way this is an over 60 team)Both of them have told me they would like the game left alone.They pitch because they want to and are really good at it.They like the chance to turn the double play and they know they could get hit,injured or worse,yet they still want to play the game it was designed to be play,hit the middle and let us take our chances,they told me they would not wear the equiptment, but will sign the realease.What next,will the SS,1B,2B AND THIRD BASE be required to wear this stuff next year?Where will it all end.If some of the pitchers want to wear the protective equiptment,let them.Just my 2 cents . |
| Dec. 27, 2009 RIK56 Men's 60 137 posts | i wear shin guards and a cup,i guess its time to invest in a mask.anyone know of a good one thats comfortable and cover the whole head. |
| Dec. 27, 2009 GI Men's 60 228 posts | I bought one yesterday from Sports Authority around $40.00. Covered all head and mask was good to see thru. Make sure you can see well with mask, Tough enough to pick up the heat seekers flying by. Also look for Helmet with vent holes, may make it a little cooler during summer months, I may have to consider cup also after 25 years of pitching, Who knows with this extra weight maybe they will stop asking pitchers to cover 2nd base- We can dream can't we. HA |
| Dec. 27, 2009 Eddie 12 Men's 50 14 posts | RIK56 Did you ever find a home in Arizona to play ball? |
| Dec. 27, 2009 Ceres 73 posts | A lot of you are confusing the issue. If you pitch and don't want to buy and wear protective equipment YOU DON"T HAVE TO.Just sign the waiver at each SSUSA tournament. If you want to wear protective equipment, buy what YOU think is necessary. The cost will be less than a good bat. With the size of the bat bags some players drag around, it'll take up only a small portion of the bag. |
| Dec. 27, 2009 RIK56 Men's 60 137 posts | gi thanks for the info i will look at sports authority,covering second base is easy for me i throw a high pitch so when i back peddle i'm halfway there,its first i have a problem with the second baseman is closer then me,eddie its a long story but i'm back in the saint louis area. |
| Dec. 27, 2009 17Black Men's 60 414 posts | I'm new to the discussion board, so I apologize if this subject has been on the table before? (A) I also coach a very good girls high school fast-pitch team. In our state, the pitcher is only 40' away. Pitchers have the option of wearing protective fase-mask or other gear-----and for the most part, not a big deal (some girls do, some don't). (B) My opinion----not just safety, but the general consensus is that the "No Fly Zone" of hitting up the middle is, that the rule is not enforced properly nationwide. (Local or National) Since we already have a "target" on home plate that is either a strike or it's not, (and a secondary home plate to protect the catcher on plays at the plate)-----has anybody discussed just putting up a screen in front of the pitcher, the width of the rubber and maybe 6 1/2 feet tall (realisically 30" to 36" wide which is the size of the door in my office I am looking at right now? If the ball hits that screen----by grounder, line drive or lazy mis-hit pop up, it's an OUT------period----, and end of discussion? The pitcher has the option of staying behind the screen for protection or out to one side or the other to make a defensive play. Pitcher would not have to wear any additional protective equipment unless they wanted to, and would not have to sign a waiver. Double Plays could still be made by the pitcher, but NOT if hit directly up the middle. This takes any question by the umpire on if a hit up the middle is intentional or not, completely out of play, and either it's a dead ball "out" or it's not???? We already play with a target at home plate that has been adapted to by all, wether the pitch is really a strike or ball at any other level of ball or softball association is irrelevant. We also run to a secondary home plate to protect the catcher at home. What's one more "Device" to adapt to, that takes all questions out of the equation??? |
| Dec. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | 17Black, welcome. A screen has been discussed numerous times, and it is a terrible idea for a number of reasons. One, it takes away fielding for the pitcher almost completely, which is NOT what good pitchers want to see happen. Two, it put up an obstacle in the middle of the field to the pitcher for fielding dribblers and popups in front of him. Three, it puts up an obstacles for anyone throwing across the infield that should not be there. Four, it makes the field look like a miniature golf hole, which is NOT what anyone should want. Also, the mat and second home plate are terrible ideas as well. By the way, what AA team do you play on and where do you play league? |
| Dec. 27, 2009 17Black Men's 60 414 posts | Dirty: Good Points ^ ^ ^ ^ especially about the obstacle for throws from other positions. Shannon Fence, from Lake County Over "50" Ohio |
| Dec. 27, 2009 seniorsbfart 44 posts | I got a face mask from a company called ripit. It is very open and light. Bad news is the chin pad came off right away but I glued it back onl. For the legs I went to play it again sports and picked up a pair for $15. |
| Dec. 27, 2009 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | 17Black, you've heard Dirty's position on a screen. He is old school and also doesn't like the mat or second plate at home, or probably the double bag at first. On the other hand, it seems he has never pitched with a screen in place on a regular basis. There are other opinions on a screen. I have pitched with a screen for 10 years (a requirement of my league after some serious injuries to pitchers). Yes, it can eliminate SOME defensive options for a pitcher, but I routinely field grounders, line drives, popups, dribblers, etc. with the screen in place. Not as much of an impediment as it would seem at first. Only the hot line drive or one bouncer right at the screen can't be fielded by the pitcher. Second, it is not an important barrier for any infielder. Playing 120-140 games a year with a screen, I cannot remember an infielder hitting it even once in the last three years or so. Third, it is seldom an impediment for an outfielder. Maybe once or twice a year it is hit on a throw from centerfield to home...but how often does this happen. Such hits are usually relayed to the SS or 2B and again the screen is not a factor. Fourth, most clubs or leagues that play with the screen count it a strike when a batted ball hits the screen or occasionally a dead ball. I prefer a strike, although your idea of an out is intriguing. A thrown ball that hits the screen (as I noted, very very rare) is a live ball. I'm not advocating a screen. I would prefer returning the bats to those used in the past (before mid-90s) and continue to play safely without screens, but right now, the bat/ball combo is too lively for many pitchers, especially the older senior players. Dirty, you will notice, plays 50 (when he plays). |
| Dec. 27, 2009 Paco13 424 posts | I am watching the 69 World Series. You pitchers ego is too big. Sometimes I wonder why government has to get involved into so many stupid things, then I realized that if they don’t we are incapable to protect ourselves. Heck if WE want to keep up with technology and keep the same bat/ball combination then why won’t pitchers will be so unwilling to use protective gear…if somebody tells me that protecting gear can keep me alive, I will wear it without hesitation. I play SS and I have thought about, again I have a family to protect and by the way I love them very much. I have seen 1st and 3rd basement wearing a mask…I saw a second basement in Phoenix wearing a mask…(he probably needs to quit the game; but again that was his responsibility to himself and his family) bottom line if you choose not to wear then do no complaint. Personally I never apologize if I hit the middle; it is the pitcher job to get me out…it is my job to get on base. Good luck and hopefully you will make the right decision…either to wear it or not. AS ALWAYS IF NOBODY LOVES U JESUS DOES |
| Dec. 27, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | There is no need for a screen, rules are back to where thy were. Go play, and quit your crying. Afraid of the darn ball, catch. Screens are fine but it wasn't part of the equation. All the complaints about middle shots and all brought about the 2 rules. All the complaints about then got them removed. Now its about this ball or that bat, guess where you are leading the charge. Like trumpball said; be careful what you wish for... because it will come, both of them. You only have yourself to blame. And at least one doesn't even travel to play. Right or wrong, what ever they (any assn) decides is legal, is legal. it is their game, not ours. We are the pawns in the chess game as it were. |
| Dec. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | 17Black, please send me an email when you have a chance. I have a couple of questions I would like to ask you. gsommers19@hotmail.com Thanks! |
| Dec. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Omar, we have been over this. One, who wants to risk getting hit by a ricochet off something that doesn't belong on the field? Two, you haven't seen a throw hit the screen probably because the guys have learned to make unnatural movements to throw around the screen. But why should anyone have to do that? Three, if I have to relay the ball to someone else so that they have an angle around the screen that is NOT good. Four, of course a thrown ball that hit it is a live ball, but is a very bad idea. If you like obstacles, go play miniature golf. Yes I do play 50, and hope to for a long time. And when I play is about 110 games a year both indoor and out. Paco, I do use protective gear. It is made of leather by Rawlings. :) |
