Baseball is a popular American pastime, and has been played for many years. But in recent decades, the sport has seen a shift in the protective gear worn by players. Helmets have become commonplace in baseball, but why did they start wearing helmets in the first place? This article explores the history of helmets in baseball, and examines why they have become a mandatory part of the game.
The History of Helmets in Baseball
The use of helmets in baseball has a long and varied history. It began in the late 19th century, when some teams started requiring players to wear protective headgear during games. These helmets, however, were made of leather and weren’t particularly effective. It wasn’t until the 1930s that more effective plastic helmets entered the game.
The first plastic helmets were designed by John T. Riddell, a former Chicago Cubs player. Riddell’s helmets were bulky and uncomfortable, but they provided far better protection than the leather helmets of the past. The helmets soon became popular in the major leagues, and by the 1940s, most teams had adopted the new headgear.
The Rise of Mandatory Helmets
Though helmets had become commonplace in the major leagues, they were still not mandatory. That began to change in the 1950s, when the National League mandated that all players must wear helmets while batting and running the bases. The American League followed suit in 1971, making helmets mandatory for all players in both leagues.
The change was driven by a combination of factors. First, the use of helmets had become widely accepted in the major leagues, and most players were already wearing them. Second, there had been an increase in the number of head injuries in baseball, and helmets were seen as a way to reduce the risk of serious injury. Finally, helmet manufacturers had begun to develop more comfortable and effective helmets, making them a more attractive option for players.
The Impact of Helmets
The introduction of helmets has had a significant impact on the safety of baseball players. Studies have found that players who wear helmets are less likely to suffer head injuries than those who don’t. Helmets have also been credited with reducing the number of deaths due to head injuries in baseball.
In addition to improving safety, helmets have also had a positive effect on the game itself. They have allowed players to play with greater confidence, knowing that they have some protection should they be hit by a pitch or suffer an accident while running the bases. As a result, the game has become faster and more exciting, as players are able to take greater risks knowing that their heads are protected.
Conclusion
The use of helmets in baseball is now mandatory, but it wasn’t always that way. Helmets were first introduced in the late 19th century, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that they became mandatory in the major leagues. The decision to make helmets mandatory was driven by a combination of factors, including the increasing acceptance of helmets, the rise in head injuries, and the development of more comfortable and effective helmets. The introduction of helmets has had a significant impact on the safety of players, as well as the speed and excitement of the game.