The local newspaper ran a photograph of a smiling young boy, bat slung over his shoulder. The accompanying headline was the sort that takes the breath away. Words like accident, medically-induced coma, and head trauma jumped out of the sobering article. But it wasn't an auto accident that caused this boy's injury - it was baseball.
In his particular case, it was that aluminum bats with their large "sweet spot" can create stunningly fast and hard hits. He was struck by one such powerful hit. While batters might wear helmets and gloves, the outfielders are wearing only a flimsy baseball cap. Should the pitcher wear a cage like the catcher does?
I had the opportunity to try out amazing batter's gloves from XProTex. My kindergartner was thrilled to get them, because of course it made him look "cool" and like a "serious athlete." Fortunately, I'm not so worried about his head or hands getting hurt from the pitcher, since in Kindergarten a dad "pitches" with a very slow arc in the hopes that the player will actually connect with the ball.
But if the kids are playing around by throwing as fast as they can, or if a pitcher wanted to actually strike out my son, it is certainly likely that a ball could hit his head, or smash his hand instead of contacting with the bat. But with the XProTex protective batting gloves his hands and wrists are protected.
For now, though, we're told that baseball is all about "fun" only.
Of course, this non-competitive spirit won't last long.
And really, Kindergarten baseball isn't really "non-competitive."
Yes, the crazy parents shout for their kids to be better. Hit the ball harder! Jump even higher to catch that fly ball! C'mon, remember to step on first base, even though in order to catch the ball you had to move so far away from base that simultaneously catching and having a foot on the bag is impossible! Yes, that's correct, we're asking you to do the impossible. Harder! Faster! Better!
Several times at practice, I've heard parents criticize their kids for not doing "good enough." These kids are ages 5 and 6. Imagine the pressure when they get older.
Meanwhile, the coach instructed the kids at last night's practice, "Try to make me duck!" as he pitched to them.
Hmmm, try to make me duck... and yet if he does have to duck, but doesn't he could end up injured. Sure, he probably wouldn't be hit with enough force to create a head injury like the young lad in the local paper, but he might end up with a loose tooth, or - given the relative position of an adult's height as compared to a child's - a hit to the family jewels.
I don't have an answer as to how to protect the pitcher and the outfielders, other than to implement a face-guard and helmet system that would no-doubt make players complain that their visibility is impaired. I've heard similar complaints about ice-hockey (although as a former recreational hockey player I can attest that the cage "disappears" once you get used to it.) After all, although most youth hockey players wear full face-masks, skaters in the NHL don't have a cage, only a loosely-fitted beanie-bucket. (Thank goodness the goalies actually have a mask.)
But I can speak to protection of the batter. Batting helmets are a no-brainer, but I'm glad that batting gloves are more than just a way to grip the bat.
XProTex gloves are the first cut to follow the natural movement of the human hand so as not to impede performance. They are created with an advanced impact composite designed to protect the player's hand such that a 100 mph pitch will have the impact of a 30 mph pitch instead. Of course, I don't expect my son's kindergarten buddies or the father-coaches to pitch at 100 mph, but I've seen that some of these kids already have quite a strong arm.
It won't be long before they'll wail out quite a mighty punch.
Plus, as these kids learn how to pitch, their accuracy isn't going to be terrific - they might have the muscle, but not the aim. I'm really glad my son has these gloves because it is one fewer thing that I have to worry about. Plus, since he thinks they "look cool" he might be more inclined to accept other protective gear. (As kids get older, protective gear becomes "uncool" so it is important to make safety a habit while they are young!)
I know that protective batting gloves are but a small piece of the larger problem of youth sports injuries, but I'm definitely thankful that XProTex has developed these gloves, and I am glad that websites such as STOP Sports Injuries exist to get people thinking about the price of fun.
No, I don't think we should roll up our kids in bubble wrap. I don't want to encourage a couch-potato culture. Youth sports are fantastic in many ways, but there are definitely ways in which programs could focus more on fun, exercise, and fitness; and less on fierce competition and a macho show of power. Even as these kids become young adults, proper protective gear is important - because we'll cheer on their accomplishments and we will want them to try their very hardest, but just not at the expense of an injury that could have been prevented.
Thank you XProTex, for giving my son a pair of "super awesome" (his words) gloves that are both making him feel "official" and protecting his hands as those pitches come his way. And thank you to STOP Sports Injuries for giving parents, coaches, and athletes something to think about as we encourage kids to be active, learn teamwork, and be proud of their accomplishments without pushing too hard, trying to injure another player, or otherwise becoming reckless in the name of "winning."
Take the Pledge with Me:
I Pledge to:
* Protect my children from sports injuries by talking about how they feel physically after practices and games.
* Keep my young athlete out of practice or the game until any injury is properly healed.
* Talk to my child's healthcare provider to learn even more about proper prevention techniques to help ensure safe play.
* Discuss any of my child's health or wellness concerns with the coaches and athletic trainers.
* Support the STOP Sport Injuries campaign by telling my children, neighbors, friends, coaches and healthcare providers about it.
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Disclaimer: XProTex gave me a pair of gloves free-for-review -- thank you, my son loves them!
