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Great point Sammy!
HBTCB: Really? thousands and thousands of kids have played with no mask and did just fine but you say "The decision cannot be left up to the parents". You stopping at the mask? You don't think there are more important things in life that cannot be left up to parents? Of all the things in life involving the health and welfare of children in the world is a mask in softball the only thing that cannot be left up to parents? Or would you extend that? Curious as to how much you think society should take over the raising of children.
Mad Hornet: When you say: "If you can prevent a major injury or fatality by doing something simple, shouldn't you do it?" How about the throat guard? Heart guard? I've seen a line drive into a knee do serious injury, how about knee pads? Line drive into a shin, how about shin guards? At least for corners and pitchers? A hard foul into a dugout can do serious injury, how about full gear in the dugout? Seen foul balls hit kids in the head walking around the park, how about helmets for all kids in the park? These are all "simple" that could prevent major injury. Where do you draw a line?
I'm not aware of a simple fix for the throat problem. I'm also not aware of any players taking a shot to the throat. I'm aware of plenty taking a shot to the face however.
As far as I know too, the heart guard is more of an issue for younger children. Knees and shins heal usually without permanent brain damage or death.
We tell our kids in the dugout they better pay attention.
A Rip It mask is relatively inexpensive and easy to don. Like I said everyone else can do what they want.
We know the hazard is there especially for 3B and pitchers. I suppose that is where I draw the line.