NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has approved a protective cap for pitchers to reduce the effects of being hit in the head by line drives.
The new hat will be available for pitchers to test during spring training on a voluntary basis. Major leaguers and minor leaguers won’t be required to wear it in games this year.
The safety plates are sewn into the hat and custom fitted. They weigh an extra six to seven ounces and offer increased protection to the forehead, temples and sides of the head.
Several pitchers have been hit in the head by line drives in the last few years. Brandon McCarthy sustained a brain contusion and skull fracture after being struck, and Doug Fister was hit during the World Series.
The safety hats are made by isoBLOX and were introduced Tuesday.
