Heads up!

I am astounded at the number of injuries this Spring due to Batted Balls hitting people in their heads. The most serious injury has proven to be the one to Atlanta Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar, who has lost an eye after he was struck in the face by a line drive while watching a spring training game. He is expected to recover in 4 - 6 weeks and then may continue coaching his Brave Minor League team this season.

The injury list includes Red Sox [ace?] Josh Beckett, who was hit by a "fungo" during warmups and suffered concussion symptoms for a day or two before coming back to pitch. In addition to Beckett, there is also the Twins' Justin Morneau who is battling back from concussion symptoms. Padres coach, Rick Renteria, was injured by a batting practice line-drive. Baltimore Orioles right-hander Brad Bergesen got off lucky after being struck in the right forearm by a line drive this week. There have been a few others of lesser note this Spring. In the past, there have been plenty of injuries sustained from batted and thrown balls.

Does it make sense to adjust the protective equipment worn by players and coaches on the field? Could there be a batting helmut modification which includes some shielding of the eyes or face. Most fielders are prepared to handle a batted ball with their glove, so they would not be required to wear them, but many pitchers are hit directly back with such force that they do not have the time to react coming out of their ball release motion. Coaches on the field should wear helmuts. coaches in the dug-out should be behind a small fence shield to protect them while in the dug-out.

Late Update on April 1st, 2011: MLB has announced an additional DL [7 days DL] for Head Injuries / Concussions. This is NO JOKE! Even MLB is taking Concussions Seriously! More info to follow.

Any thoughts out there?