I have been spending these winter months trying to decide if I should allow my son to pitch or not. He has one hell of an arm, and coaches want him to pitch. My concern, other than him being mature enough to handle the pressure, is his safety. I can not stop picturing a line drive right back at him. There is so little time to react from the mound! These kids' heads are left unprotected. Serious injury or death can occur, all for a baseball game! Baseball is extremely important to us, but not worth my child's life.
So, should I allow him to pitch using a fielding helmet? He says he will wear whatever he has to to be able to pitch. Is that enough? What about a face mask? Will this protective gear (especially the face mask) hinder his pitching and/or fielding? Or should I just forget about it and enjoy the game at ease? His strong arm is useful in other positions too.
I guess it's a good thing I have a little more time to decide.
W0w! You are "that loud mom"!!!!
ReplyDeleteI sense coaching in your future!
ReplyDeleteHow'd ya come up with the "loudmouth"? lol
ReplyDeleteRelax. Don't make him wear a helmet. How many deaths from pitching have you heard of at Hallie Park. The kids aren't that good of hitters yet. Plus, as the kids get to be better hitters, his reflexes will get quicker. He has a higher chance of dyeing in a car accident. Either let him pitch normal like all the other kids or forget it....You will only humiliate him and make yourself look like the freak parent.
ReplyDeleteWeigh the risks and benefits and make decision that you can be comfortable with. I wouldn't worry about what other people think. You have a job to do and you just do the best you can. Chances are that those parents that think people are freaks for wearing something that no one else is wearing, is probably already thinking you are a freak! :) But, who knows, maybe your son will get a cool new helmet and then everyone will want to wear one. Then you'll have angry parents who don't want to pay for a new helmet. You can't please 'em all! :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteListen to your heart.
ReplyDelete