By Joe Kirchmyer
As someone who has been playing baseball and softball continuously now for well over 40 years, I’ve experienced first-hand how technology has dramatically changed the game over the past several years — and not for the better.
Last year I wrote a letter to the editor of several local newspapers detailing how technology is, in my opinion, ruining America’s greatest pastime. In my commentary I expressed fear that it’s just a matter of time before someone is killed in a recreational softball game somewhere in Western New York because bat and ball manufacturers are obsessed with introducing softballs that travel greater distances and “explode” off of $300 to $400-plus high-tech aluminum or composite bats.
As a pitcher standing just 46 feet away from home plate when I begin my delivery, I can attest that there is just no time to react to a ball hit up the middle. As a result, I’m seeing more and more pitchers being struck by line drives on a regular basis.
Maybe my letter was taken seriously by a few local recreational leagues. One town that I play in has gone to wood bats only, completely banning the use of aluminum bats. The other town where I play will now test all aluminum bats twice per season, rather than just once. Both reactions are definitely a step in the right direction when it comes to player safety.
Players can also take steps to ensure their safety while playing the game they love. If fact, a few months ago I contacted a Canadian company that I found online, called BCL (Ball Cap Liner), and asked for an opportunity to review their product which is designed to protect your forehead and temple area. On Saturday, I gave it a try during my first practice of the season.
My immediate impression was that it was very comfortable to wear. I first used it while pitching batting practice, and I have to admit that I forgot I was even wearing it after throwing just a handful of pitches. I then decided to wear it during my turn at bat. I took about 50 swings and once again, BCL stayed comfortably in place atop my head. Not once, while pitching or batting, did I have to take it off for an adjustment.
Finally, I kept it on as I headed to the outfield to catch some fly balls. This, of course, required a lot of running, yet BCL stayed in place the entire time. I feared it might bounce up and down and be a distraction while running, but that was simply not the case.
My only negative experience with the product was that it didn’t fit well under the baseball cap that I was wearing. That should be an easy fix — I just need to purchase a larger cap. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Personally, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend BCL for youth or adult participants. To learn more about the product, please visit www.ballcapliner.com.
