The helmet of the future here now
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Sep 02, 2009 
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There is nothing funny about taking a fastball in the head and having to go on the disabled list.
But the new batting helmet David Wright is trying out does look a little … well … dorky. Paint it green and he’d look like The Great Gazoo of Flintstones fame.
But get used to it. The Rawlings S100 will be required in the minors next season and big-league teams will be trying them out this season. The new helmet will supposedly resist pitches of 100-mph and is safer than the current models.
I would imagine that any player who has been hit in the head will be happy to wear the new helmet. We’ll keep you updated on any Yankees trying it out.
Funny, but really, I hope the comedy aspect doesn’t discourage widespread adoption of the helmets. Wright would be a lot better off if he had used on a few weeks ago…
LOL. The Great Gazoo is exactly what I thought of when I saw Wright in it this morning on the news.
“Oh Dark Helmet!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhnIqgTEBS8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQiC_4kbVlA
That was my visceral reaction Pete. Getting hit in the head isn’t funny but wow, that helmet…then the chuckle.
Thanks for this post as I had heard about Wright’s helmet on the news this morning but hadn’t seen it and was curious.
Yeah it looks kind of dorky.
But allow me to raise a question.
If wearing this helmet is safer for batters because it offers more protection than why not just wear it all the time?
Or at least work to improve the current helmet somehow.
Sure this helmet isn’t very “cool” but sitting in a wheelchair with drool running down your chin isn’t too cool either.
I’ll take safety over fashion every time.
I’d rather take a hit to the head then wear that thing.
Dr. Cox, it sounds as if you’ve already taken several hits to the head.
baseball players can show their style when they appear on commercials or for events.. There should be no compromise for safety.. I dont know why many players are against these helmets..
That thing looks HUGE on Wright.
I hope there are different style options…I hate the helmets with the big vents on them.
Hopefully they can figure out a way of maintaining the classic look, but of course, safety is a priority.
I’m curious to know exactly how these helmets are safer. Did they just make them larger to increase the foam padding?
This reminds me of those egg drop experiments we did in the 6th grade.
Damn that helmet is huge. lmao
Looks similar to a bicycle helmet..
They do look “dorky,” but if they’re safer, then that’s the way to go.
I do have a question though. I’d be curious to find out from Wright, or anyone else who has actually worn it, if the brim restricts their vision in any way.
Only players who got hit in the head, or have huge heads to counter-act that helmet are going to wear them.
If I were a player I’d definitely sacrafice safety for looks. How are you going to look in your SI and Times pictures with that thing on there?
Sorry, but I find it hard to believe that technology has deteriorated to a point where the only way they can design a helmet that can take a 100 mph hit is to stuff it with foam and make it bigger.
That isn’t going to help the batter much, as the size alone will cause imbalances and negatively affect the batter.
He looks like a little league player wearing that thing, and for what? I bet more people are hurt catching foul balls or loose bats than are hurt by being hit by a pitch to the head. What’s next? Requiring all the people who attend the games to purchase and wear one of these foolish looking, over padded, underengineered jokes?
This will drive kids from playing the game, as no one wants to look like a moron. … except may ditmars1929
If you think a helmet will keep children from wanting to be the next Derek Jeter or David Wright….
maybe you should have worn a tougher helmet when you played as a kid
Bet the next thing they find out once they force players to wear these things is that they hurt the fielders with them. Just like when they improved football helmets. It led to more injuries.
The law of unintended consequences.
Erica, I bet you didn’t do certain things because of not wanting to look like a jerk. Then again, I read plenty of your posts and you prove that are a jerk all the time.
MGUMPHER, I have been hit in the head by a pitch and the bill of the helmet shattered before the ball progressed to hit me in the forehead. It was not a pleasant experience and I almost lost my vision too. Call me a moron if you must be insulting, but I wish I had been better protected that game.
This was published BEFORE Wright was hit in the head.
The S100 — so named because it can withstand the impact of a ball fired at 100 m.p.h. from 24 inches away — has a layer of expanded polypropylene, the hard, foamlike material used in bicycle helmets.
“If it provides more protection, then I’m all for it,” said Mets third baseman David Wright, who last week dodged a Brad Thompson fastball traveling on a frightening vector toward his head. “I’m not worried about style or looking good out there. I’m worried about keeping my melon protected.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08.....elmet.html
MGUMPHER
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:15 am
Erica, I bet you didn’t do certain things because of not wanting to look like a jerk. Then again, I read plenty of your posts and you prove that are a jerk all the time.
****
OOh- whipping out the insults. Is that really called for??
Generally speaking, as a child I was intelligent enough to understand that when I played little league helmets were going to mess my hair up, but there were good for me.
Although, I wonder about your own intelligence since you continue to read plenty of my posts even though you think I am a jerk
That helmet looks a little funny on him because he has a small face. Once most of the players are wearing them we’ll hardy notice…
ditmars1929
your a moron
j/k
If Barry Bonds wore this helmet no one would suspect him of steroid use.
You know what looks really silly? Those huge shoulder pads and facemasks that football players wear. I wish they would get rid of all the new ‘safety’ advances and go back to the days when men were men and athletes didn’t need all this armor. Who really cares if someone gets seriously injured? This is entertainment, man!
That is nothing short of horrendous.
MGUMPHER, are you a lobbyist for the old helmet manufacturers or something?
Safety over fashion?
It’s not like the current helmets are haute couture or anything.
What about cups? Randy are you in here? Do catchers wear the same cups as everyone else or are they better.
It would seem that the same old cup would do nothing against a 90+mph foul tip to the jewels.
Two thoughts.
On a walk off HR, players will need to run for cover if a player tosses that thing. Like having a car battery thrown at you.
The other, in seriousness, I would consider wearing it during an at bat and just switching it if I got on base. It would have to slow you down.
No joke, but I thought that picture of the helmet was photoshop. Holy cow, that thing is atrocious.
Opie and Anthony made fun of “Hinske with your best shot” today.
^^ Photoshopped*
You could watch theatre movies on that bad boy. I mean…DAMN
Opie and Anthony made fun of “Hinske with your best shot” today.
___
It’s the only clever thing Sterling has ever said.
For those interested in the kids, take a look at this interview Mike Ashmore did with Damon Oppenheimer. He talks about Austin Romine, Andrew Brackmand and Kevin Russo among others. There’s also a Part 1 of this interview that you can click at the bottom of the article.
http://thunderbaseball.wordpre.....-part-two/
It’s amazing how the media exaggerates things…AJ has been up and down to say the least lately, but Jon Heyman just said he’s had 7 bad starts in a row (because he hasn’t won any of them).
The caller that just called in tried to point this out, but Heyman and Adam the Bull wouldn’t have any of it. AJ pitched fine against Oakland and Texas – to say those were bad starts is ridiculous. He pitched ok against the Blue Jays also – again, not a bad start.
AJ has to right himself, no question, but facts are still the facts……unless they’re not?
**Calm down, people – I’m not defending AJ’s performance last night or even saying that he’s pitched great lately. I am merely pointing out the inconsistencies of the media.
Honestly, I’m not into fashion at all…but looking at that picture makes me uncomfortable. I think I rather take the 99.9% of getting hit in the head than wear that tank on my head. Seriously.
Comfort IS important in baseball too. Especially when there are many factors that affect the quality of an at bat.
Remember, baseball players used to hit wearing just their baseball caps, football players helmets were made out of leather and hockey players didn’t wear helmets at all.
It seems weird now because we’re not used to it, but 10 years from now, maybe kids will find it strange that players used to play with “little helmets”.
Flippin’ hilarious, Pete!
LMAO
This assures that Boston hurlers will continue to lead the league in hit batsmen.
They’ll start going for elbows and knees instead.
Dorky, but if it’s effective, who cares?
Dorky, fine, but this thing…c’mon now. This looks like something from a SNL skit.
To paraphrase the movie Major League:
Manager: You look good. Besides, safety’s the most important thing.
Willy Mays Hayes: I don’t think it’s *that* important.
I’m old enough to remeber my mom or dad’s right forearm is the only “seatbelt” we ever wore in a car just seconds before they hit the brake.
Now we strap kids into car seats like they are astronauts ready for blast off.
Times change.
Dear Jerry Reese,
Make sure Brandon Marshall is in a blue NY uniform
Kthanksbye
I’ve hit my head before. Not. Fun.
Everyone’s mentioning the dorky look, but as an athlete I’d be worried about that thing messing up my swing or even affecting the way I see / read pitches. I forget who, but one ballplayer said that he felt like he was his own personal bobblehead. That makes me thinks its a little bit heavy or the height of it or something makes it feel like its swaying your head against your will.
MGUMPHER
This blog is about sharing baseball thoughts; it is not here to serve your need to blow away Erica with dumb insults.
Go somewhere else, please.
I heard Mark Schlereth. whose son is now a major league reliever say many players don’t wear cups, including many pitchers and even a few catchers that he knows of.
If that’s true, safety isn’t a high priority for some players, comfort is so I hope this helmet is comfortable.
why dont they add a chin-strap while there at it.
Wright looks like he should be riding the short bus
Thanks Frank
pat,
are you kidding me? No players but catchers wear cups, nor should they. In little league the coaches make you wear them but as you get to more advanced leagues players quickly realize they are unnecessary (unless you’re a catcher)
Patrick
Tell that to Adrian Beltre!
Schlereth said many infielders still do.
I was a catcher and a CF’er in high school. I wore the cup when I caught, but not when I was in center.
Ok should I also tell Juan Encarnacion that every player should wear a face mask?
Beltre’s injury was a freak occurrence. Doesn’t mean cups are really worth it. I’m sure he will wear a cup from now on but I am pretty sure the vast majority of baseball players go without a cup.
Also I’ve read stories about the vast majority of NFL players refusing to wear a cup. Now THAT is crazy if you ask me.
“I was a catcher and a CF’er in high school. I wore the cup when I caught, but not when I was in center.”
Yeah exactly
Patrick, tell that to Adrian Beltre. Did you see what happened to him about a week or two ago?
I’d recommend catchers (of course!), pitchers and infielders all wear them. But I’d say the outfielders can get away without them. But then again, according to Mgumpfer, I’m a moron, so don’t listen to any safety advice coming from me.
Safety first. But boy is it funny looking
They have to find a way to make it smaller yet very safe and efficient.
That thing is h-u-g-e.
-All season it’s been it’s only one game,they’ll get them tomorrow.Post season home field is at stake.If AJ is babied any further,Yankees will be out in the first round.No mote excuses,Aj needs to step up and earn his pay,Pitch.
-I know this is new for him being on a winning team,where games count this late in the season,but he has to contribute.
-Really like him,think he brought an incredible energy to the team with the pies,but he needs to pitch well.
Pete abe is going to be on wfan in 2 minutes.
The helmet is only a few inches larger then the other helmet. It weights 7 ounces more. They did a piece on the helmet at espn if you want to take a look. They do a video of the old helmet and the new one. It really isn’t that large.
imagine kevin youkilis wearing one of those.
MLB will probably grandfather it in, like they did with earflaps.
“To paraphrase the movie Major League:
Manager: You look good. Besides, safety’s the most important thing.
Willy Mays Hayes: I don’t think it’s *that* important.”
Look what you did? Now I’m going to pull out the movie and I’ll end up watching it for days.
Pete,
Did you get the Great Gazoo comment from ESPN last night?
Next they’re going to mandate Naked Gun style full bodied condoms.
“Ok should I also tell Juan Encarnacion that every player should wear a face mask?”
I’m female so a hard topic for me to judge. Would you rather take a foul tip off your face or off your groin?
he looks like Donovan Mcnabb in a helmet
I’m all for safety, but at some point you have to draw a line between reasonable safety and practicality. That helmet is HUGE. I do not believe that won’t interfere with performance.
I mean if safety really comes before everything else, then MLB should just change the ball to a nerfball. See my point?
The Great Gazoo. ROTFLMMuthaFAO !!!
Still looks about the same size as Barry Bonds without a helmet.
But seriously … helmets are required because someone actually died from a beanball a long time ago. They looked dorky back then, still look dorky now. If they’re a little bigger and dorkier than we’re all used to, well, we’ll all get used to them.
By the way, Pete, any suggestion as to how I should put LoHud Yankees Blog down on my timesheet at work?
If Dustin Pedroia were to wear that helmet he’d look like a …
pat – that depends on whichever one is protected !!!
Brandon, he’d look like a … (actually MORE like) a … little-bit-o-luck!
OK! Now I’m going to need to see pictures of Joba(small head) wearing Matsui’s(huge head) That will look funny
Maybe it will offer more protection when hit but a batter is probably 2x more likely to get hit in the head since its so much bigger than today’s helmet.
It looks great on Pedroia though…but when did the Red Sox start wearing green jumpsuits with capes?
It looks like the helmets from “Starship Troopers.”
Peter A.
Loved listening to your segment on the FAN at noon today.
You articulated your ideas crisply and clearly.
Maybe you didn’t give Tex enough credit for the infield’s defensive improvement but your thoughts on Mauer were on target.
Brett Gardener in one of those bad boys is going to get folks calling in UFO sightings.
The helmets are the worst looking things I have ever seen but if they provide more protection they must be worn. It’s not a fashion show, it’s a ballgame. Safety first!
I’ve wondered for years why baseball helmets didn’t have more of a suspension system and offset away from the head than they already do – more in the way of a military combat helmet. (lol thinking of Zim in his steel pot
I understand that the intent of those helmets (K-pots as we called them back in the day) is to deflect a round, but part of that deflection is to withstand the speed of a round, which is obviously quite faster than a wild heater. And, if you look at development of those type of helmets over the past 20 years – from the wider, “Fritz” style helmet to the smaller, hockey size style that soldiers are wearing today, its due to two things – advances in technology/design, and R&D studies, which show that most head trauma that soldiers receive is due to, you guessed it, impact trauma.
I’m rambling here, I guess that what I’m getting at is that its looks dorky now, but give it a few years of more R&D, and I’m sure that they’ll be down to a more contemporary size.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
Doesn’t look dorky to me. Then again, this isn’t co-ed rec softball, you aren’t out on the field to pick up chicks. That comes after the game. When you aren’t wearing the helmet but do have an in-shape body and a wad of cash.
The only reason this seems to be safer, or so it’s my own speculation, is because of the added padding. Everyone is making the S100 seem so technologically advanced when really, it’s just about twice the thickness in padding.
The look is also something everyone will get used to. Remember the NFL helmet of the early 1900′s? I’m sure not one player of that era would wear it.
In a league where players are so concerned about pulling their pant legs down to the tops of their shoes because they think it looks cool, you can bet they’ll all fight wearing the larger helmet.
The helmet doesn’t look that bad, players have to be safe so I’m all for it.
“dum dums “
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