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Batting helmet facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Miguel Cairo (43) (5875041788)
A MLB batting helmet with one ear flap, worn in 2011.

A batting helmet is a special helmet worn by players who are hitting the ball in baseball or softball. Its main job is to keep the batter's head safe. It protects them from fast pitches thrown by the pitcher that might accidentally come too close. If a batter gets hit by a pitch, it can be very dangerous.

Why Batters Wear Helmets

Baseball pitches can travel very fast, sometimes over 100 miles per hour! If a batter gets hit in the head by a pitch, it could cause a serious injury. Helmets are designed to absorb the impact and protect the skull. This makes the game much safer for everyone playing.

Rules for Batting Helmets

Different baseball leagues have rules about batting helmets. In most leagues, including Minor League Baseball, players must wear a helmet with two ear flaps. These flaps cover both ears, giving extra protection.

However, in Major League Baseball (MLB), batters only need to wear a helmet with one ear flap. This flap covers the ear that is closer to the pitcher. This rule helps keep players safe while they are at bat.

Images for kids

  • 1920 batting helment concept

    A concept drawing of a batting helmet from 1920. That year, MLB player Ray Chapman had been fatally struck in the head by a pitch.

  • Bob Hunter LA sportswriter

    Los Angeles sportswriter Bob Hunter modeling a new baseball helmet in 1939. The helmet's design is similar to earmuffs and fits over the baseball cap.

  • Jerry Kindall - Chicago Cubs - 1961

    Chicago Cubs player Jerry Kindall is photographed in 1961 wearing a batting helmet.

  • Jack Clark 1983 (cropped)

    Jack Clark of the San Francisco Giants is photographed in 1983. That year, the MLB made it mandatory for batters to wear at least one ear protector on their batting helmet, like the one Clark is wearing.

  • Jason Heyward on July 16, 2016 (2) (cropped)

    Jason Heyward wears a helmet with a protective guard during a 2016 game. Heyward started wearing the guard after being hit by a pitch in his face, which caused him to suffer a broken jaw.

  • Bo Porter profile picture spring training 2015

    In 2008, it was made mandatory for on-field MLB coaches to wear helmets. Bo Porter, former coach for the Atlanta Braves, is photographed with an on-field helmet in 2015.

See also

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