Do MLB players have to wear masks while playing?

NEW YORK — All fully vaccinated players and staff can stop wearing masks in dugouts, bullpens and clubhouses under the latest change to Major League Baseball’s coronavirus protocols.

Why do they wear masks in softball but not baseball?

Due to the close proximity and the speed in which pitchers are throwing the ball, it is important that batters wear a face mask. Just like a catcher, a batter is putting their body in the firing line, and an errant pitch, missed catch or foul ball could strike the batter in the face.

Do MLB fans have to wear masks?

At least six teams (the Rockies, Braves, Tigers, Twins, Royals and Rangers) have removed mask requirements. Another five (the Red Sox, Cardinals, Pirates, Astros and Mariners) say only unvaccinated fans will need to wear them.

Why do softball pitchers throw underhand?

Although fast-pitch softball may be less risky than youth baseball, the potential for injury still exists. One reason is that softball pitchers throw underhand, a motion thought to stress the arm less than the overhand throws seen in baseball.

Does the pitcher wear a helmet?

Batters must wear helmets, to prevent potentially lethal skull fractures. This rule seems so commonsensical though helmets weren’t mandatory, in fact, until 1971. Meanwhile, the pitcher stands 60-feet, 6-inches away from the batter, give or take those same few inches. Yet, pitchers wear no helmets.

Do pitchers wear hard hats?

A pitcher wearing a helmet gives them the best chance to save them from a fluke tragedy, one that could happen at any moment. And since it seems that pitchers will never voluntarily wear them en masse, Major League Baseball and the Players’ Union must now make the decision to save them from themselves.

When did umpires start wearing masks?

The traditional mask came into use in the early 1900s and the general design has remained fairly constant ever since—the mask still encloses the umpire’s face, but not the sides of the head.