What is the most dangerous position on the field?

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Different sport, but give me a second==1996 or 1997, mens Open slowpitch, greater Detroit area. Playing qualifiers up there two weeks in a row, and two weeks in a row a player was killed by a batted ball. One pitcher, one at third. Actually saw and HEARD the pitcher get it, not something you ever forget.....They banned a bunch of bats right after the second time. Fast forward, oldest DD playing "up" at 14U to help pitching situation. Gets mad and frustrated, loses focus, and a girl now a senior and getting a full-ride rips a pitch that ends up one-hopping the fence AFTER clipping her ponytail. I literally thanked GOD on the spot for it missing, and for her having her mask(which she doesn't like because it is "gay" and makes her sweat). So my personal opinion, pitcher, 3b, and catcher, in that order.

 

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Different sport, but give me a second==1996 or 1997, mens Open slowpitch, greater Detroit area. Playing qualifiers up there two weeks in a row, and two weeks in a row a player was killed by a batted ball. One pitcher, one at third. Actually saw and HEARD the pitcher get it, not something you ever forget.....They banned a bunch of bats right after the second time. Fast forward, oldest DD playing "up" at 14U to help pitching situation. Gets mad and frustrated, loses focus, and a girl now a senior and getting a full-ride rips a pitch that ends up one-hopping the fence AFTER clipping her ponytail. I literally thanked GOD on the spot for it missing, and for her having her mask(which she doesn't like because it is "gay" and makes her sweat). So my personal opinion, pitcher, 3b, and catcher, in that order.

Not making light of your situation since our son was a pitcher however the data ranks the batter ahead of the catcher because most of the pitchers can not throw to the catcher accurately

This was not a defense or offensive question it was what player on the field I think.

 

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Are we advocating body armor now? The balls are hard for a reason. If you get in the way of a ball and your glove doesn`t intercept it, you will get hit and it may hurt like heck. This game also has the factor of fear in it. Take fear out of the game and you remove a fundamental part of fastpitch. If a kid can charge the batter with no fear, because of the padding she wears, is that what this game is coming to?

As a parent I think of it as a safety investment.
Naturally, her fielding skills are a little above average so, this is what gives her the most confidence (she had the same aggressive play before I got the equipment).

Personally, I don?t have a problem with any player having equipment that allows them to gain a little advantage on defense when attacking the ball/batter like heart guards, game face, wrist bands etc as long as it is within the "rules of the game". After all, batters also use "high performance" equipment (some even juiced) to gain an advantage at the plate.
Safety equipment has changed so much the past five years you can find impact protection for any sport at any level. spend a little coin get better protection and most would not even know you have it on.

 

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As a parent I think of it as a safety investment.
Naturally, her fielding skills are a little above average so, this is what gives her the most confidence (she had the same aggressive play before I got the equipment).

Personally, I don?t have a problem with any player having equipment that allows them to gain a little advantage on defense when attacking the ball/batter like heart guards, game face, wrist bands etc as long as it is within the "rules of the game". After all, batters also use "high performance" equipment (some even juiced) to gain an advantage at the plate.
Safety equipment has changed so much the past five years you can find impact protection for any sport at any level. spend a little coin get better protection and most would not even know you have it on.

I can actually understand the mask for a fielder, but to suit a kid up so much they lose the fear factor is not how this game is to be played. They are playing softball not trying to be a hockey goalie. Soon we will have both corners standing 5 feet from the batter daring her to swing.

 

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how about any player in the infield not paying attention...

 

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Maybe it can be the coaches wife in the stands. Because she hears the chatter from the parents all weekend long.

 

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Maybe it can be the coaches wife in the stands. Because she hears the chatter from the parents all weekend long.

my wife would definately agree with that one year she actually sat away from parents to make sure she didnt hear anything that would make her mad and i dont understand everything i do is right how could anyone disagree with what i do lol just kidding obviously

 

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I can actually understand the mask for a fielder, but to suit a kid up so much they lose the fear factor is not how this game is to be played. They are playing softball not trying to be a hockey goalie. Soon we will have both corners standing 5 feet from the batter daring her to swing.

Not too sure I have seen anyone looking like a Hocky goalie. But in mens.............maybe............

As the game evolves so do the players and the equipment they use. With todays changes in products and player enhancements they are part of any sport just like the rules.

 

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Not too sure I have seen anyone looking like a Hocky goalie. But in mens.............maybe............

As the game evolves so do the players and the equipment they use. With todays changes in products and player enhancements they are part of any sport just like the rules.

BS......... Baseball has been around for a longggg time, and the only saftey change in the last 50 years is the helmet. I guess most people think girls are not tough.
Sure we don`t see shin guards and chest protectors on the corners, yet. But with some of the peoples attitudes, it`s coming.

What safety changes has there been in basketball? (the mouth piece) Where are all the helmets in sokker?( all they wear is shin guards.)
The do gooders are going to ruin this game. Seriously there are people who would like to see body armor on the corners, I have heard it dicussed.

Ill give up on the mask, little kids are at more risk, but that is where I draw the line. It is ridiculous to take away an offensive weapon of a bunt because a player could fearlessly get too close to the batter. If you dont want to get hurt, play the position of 3rd base honestly, not dangerously. But to start wearing padding from head to toe so you can cheat up closer to the batter is not what this game is about.

Off my soap box now.

 

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The safety issue comes from the bats, along with the over inflated home run numbers.
you could not get a major league player to play 3rd if they used the juiced bats.
I have seen 13 yr olds hit balls 250

 

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Baseball 90 feet , softball 60 feet. Slappers, bunting. They both hit a round ball, but after that they are played differently. So looking at safety , it is a different sport.

 

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Baseball 90 feet , softball 60 feet. Slappers, bunting. They both hit a round ball, but after that they are played differently. So looking at safety , it is a different sport.

So you are telling me that if you played 3rd in a situation where the hitter (any power hitter) has a rocket tech in his hand,may bunt and the coach has you play in you would not be a little worried.
remember now your only around 75 feet away

You think your mommy would like that

 

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Sure baseball has been around a long time and it's about time the baseball sanctions and States are doing something about the equipment by banning the bats already. Again, just a matter of time people before you see the composites banned, sure someone else will come up with another newfangled bat product to sell, as it never ends. But the first job of any Parent or coach, is to ensure the safety of their kids and players. Not advocating full body gear, but masks, sure. It's just like all the whining about masks on batting helmets. Heck, the kids don't think twice about it. More and more are using them in college as well.

When oldest DD played jr college with former major D-1 ex players coaches, one coach tells her and others, only P$%#% wear facemasks when they bat. Yeah maybe they could play, but coached like Sh%$.. Probably why the program went away......

Yep, that's why she looks like she does "beautiful" and you look like a pug dog.... I didn't spend 5K on braces for nothing ...

 

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Coach McQueen; Read the post, it was supporting what you stated about bats. That kid at 60 feet at third base has to play in around 40 feet. Don't see that in baseball with a wooden bat. I agree with your post.

 

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Coach McQueen; Read the post, it was supporting what you stated about bats. That kid at 60 feet at third base has to play in around 40 feet. Don't see that in baseball with a wooden bat. I agree with your post.

no disrespect

I must have read it wrong

I just hate seeing coaches try to win games at the expense of the safety of the kid playing 3rd.

witnessed it at Lincoln park (columbus IN) a girl that used to play for me playing 3rd and this huge 16 yr old hit 2 ball around 200ft and the next at bat her dad plays her in with the pitcher.

When the ball went by her head she said she could here it as it brushed her hair.

scarry moments

 

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Baseball 90 feet , softball 60 feet. Slappers, bunting. They both hit a round ball, but after that they are played differently. So looking at safety , it is a different sport.

So are you saying your would endorse the idea of the corners wearing shin guards and chest protectors?

 

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The REASON why girls bunt is because most people are not foolish enough to play "DANGEROUSLY" close. It is part of the game. Padding up the corners so much they can play as close as they want is to take away an integral part of the game. Injuries are part of the game, but if the game is played right, accidents are kept to an absolute minimum. Playing a corner at under 30 feet is not playing the game as it was designed. That is putting yourself in danger. (even with the old bats) The best method of covering bunts is to have a quicker 3rd baseman. If she isnt quick, too bad, thats a flaw in your defense. But to cover a slower kid with all kinds of padding so she can cheat the game is just **** ****.

 

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The REASON why girls bunt is because most people are not foolish enough to play "DANGEROUSLY" close. It is part of the game. Padding up the corners so much they can play as close as they want is to take away an integral part of the game. Injuries are part of the game, but if the game is played right, accidents are kept to an absolute minimum. Playing a corner at under 30 feet is not playing the game as it was designed. That is putting yourself in danger. (even with the old bats) The best method of covering bunts is to have a quicker 3rd baseman. If she isnt quick, too bad, thats a flaw in your defense. But to cover a slower kid with all kinds of padding so she can cheat the game is just **** ****.

I agree completely to many girls playing third that have no business there, and to many coaches playing kids up

 

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punchout: It is a different game . Do we wear facemasks on our helments , YES, College no. Do you think that is foolish at the younger levels? We played indoors this winter for the laser/Heat high school team. l. I would bet 70% of the corners and pitchers had masks on, so I guess from posts on here no college coach would recruit them. I take this as the same argument we hear on seat belts. It won't happen to me....My question would be if a safety device is offered and it does not effect your play at all, then why not wear it? I was a catcher and you could not give me enough to wear. Same when I catch my dd today. It only takes one wrong bounce to ruin the day. My dd had an eye injury this year. So she must play with a protective device , because the eye Dr told us any hit to the head could cause blindness for the next few years. So I guess no college will be interested in her.

 

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punchout: It is a different game . Do we wear facemasks on our helments , YES, College no. Do you think that is foolish at the younger levels? We played indoors this winter for the laser/Heat high school team. l. I would bet 70% of the corners and pitchers had masks on, so I guess from posts on here no college coach would recruit them. I take this as the same argument we hear on seat belts. It won't happen to me....My question would be if a safety device is offered and it does not effect your play at all, then why not wear it? I was a catcher and you could not give me enough to wear. Same when I catch my dd today. It only takes one wrong bounce to ruin the day. My dd had an eye injury this year. So she must play with a protective device , because the eye Dr told us any hit to the head could cause blindness for the next few years. So I guess no college will be interested in her.

Dan clarify the eye injury was not soft ball related...so%%er related!

Bring your corners in at your own risk as ultimately you are the coach that will be held accountable and you the parent choose the team and coach!

Teach them how to field please, as most do not even understand how to throw yet!