Baseball / Softball Helmets

History

In the early days of baseball, players didn’t wear helmets at all. According to the MLB, it wasn’t required until 1971. Since then, the baseball helmet began to evolve. In 2007, base coaches were also required to wear helmets. In 1920, Ray Chapman died due to a pitch by Carl Mays. Since then, players and teams began to hesitate to introduce stricter safety rules, but this would take decades to become standard because players who wore helmets were often seen as weak. Others thought extra equipment like a helmet was distracting and too heavy, so they risked their lives to play the way they wanted. In 1941, two decades later, the Brooklyn Dodgers required players to wear helmets. This was the first team to do so. They implemented this rule because two players had been seriously injured. The helmets were designed like regular baseball caps but with protective plates inside. They didn’t offer the protection that modern helmets do, but it was a step in the right direction.

Around 1950, the first version of a hardened batting helmet was introduced. Several prominent players began to use this helmet. More players, and even coaches, began to see the importance of head protection and started experimenting with new designs. Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, designed his own reinforced head protection. In 1956, the National League mandated that all batters must wear the Rickey-style cap. The American League followed suit in 1958, and by 1960, the strong, molded helmets we still use today had grown in popularity.

Fast forward to 1971, when the MLB made it mandatory for players to wear molded helmets. Then, in 1983, face-protecting flaps became required on one side of the helmet, with some players opting for them on both sides. Since then, attention has shifted to improving weight, strength, and breathability. First introduced in 2013, the MLB currently uses the S100 PRO COMP series batting helmet, which is made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber composite and can withstand the impact of a 100 mph pitch. This is much stronger than the 68 mph tested on past models.

User Moments

The batting helmet is worn by batters during a baseball or softball game. Batting helmets protect the batter’s head from errant pitches thrown by the pitcher. The helmet features a jaw guard (also known as ear flaps) on one side, depending on which side you’re batting from. If you’re batting right-handed (RHB), the jaw guard should be on the left side. For left-handed batters (LHB), the jaw guard should be on the right side.

Coach helmets are worn by coaches at first and third base. Coaches wear these helmets for protection from balls that batters may hit. These helmets don’t have jaw guards but are typically worn with a headset underneath.

Pitcher helmets are optional for pitchers, providing additional protection. However, it is not mandatory to wear one. Most pitchers simply wear their game cap.

Materials

Helmets are made from various materials. The outer shell is usually made of an ABS thermoplastic and sometimes features a carbon fiber finish. The padding inside is made of iMpax, a high-performance impact-absorbing foam. This foam disperses force and forms a barrier for ultimate protection. The padding is covered by a fabric-wrapped liner, which is treated with antimicrobial properties to eliminate unwanted bacteria and odors.

Sizes

To determine your size, you need to measure the circumference of your head. With this information, you can figure out your helmet size. However, keep in mind that different brands use different sizing charts.

Some brands offer one-size-fits-all helmets, which are split into two categories: Senior (adult) and Junior (youth).

Gender/Age

A baseball helmet or softball helmet is always unisex. There is no distinction between men’s and women’s helmets. The only difference is between Junior helmets (for kids with sizes ranging from 6 ½ to 7 1/8) and Senior helmets (for those above this size).

Certification

A batting helmet must be approved by NOCSAE for use in most youth, high school, and adult leagues. NOCSAE is an organization dedicated to enhancing athletic safety through scientific research.

There is also the SEI certificate. SEI oversees the NOCSAE standards certification process through several accredited, independent laboratories that test products to ensure they meet NOCSAE standards. SEI also conducts regular product testing and on-site quality assurance audits at each NOCSAE licensee’s production facilities to ensure continued compliance.