Protect Your Head, You're Going to Need It

Injuries are bound to happen in sports, baseball and softball included. Whether it be a minor injury like a cut, bruise, sprain or strain - or something more serious like a concussion, contusion or fracture - injuries are part of the game. The best thing we can do as parents, coaches and players is to be properly prepared if an injury occurs and to do everything possible to prevent it.

Some basic pointers to promote safety on the diamond include: warming-up properly and thoroughly, making sure the playing field is fit for competition and wearing legal athletic gear that fits properly. Without a doubt, the most critical piece of equipment to a player's safety is a helmet.

Baseball and softball players of all ages should always wear a protective batting helmet in games and in practice. This includes the times when a player is participating in tee work, soft toss drills and while hitting off a MaxBP. Although a hard ball is the most common threat to a players safety, athletes who are hitting in stations may also be susceptible to injury, due to their close proximity to other athletes during group work.

Some athletes may complain about the discomfort of wearing a helmet during drills; however, this will help them become accustomed to wearing a helmet in a game and more importantly, it will keep them protected from a potentially serious injury. After all, it only takes one accident to change an athlete’s career or life forever. Protect your head, you're going to need it. Wear a helmet.