Pitchers don't often get hit by line drives and get it to the skull even less
frequently. But it does happen, as much as 2 - 3 times per season. We note a
number of well known current MLB pitchers that have been the victim of a shot to
the head. Currently there are no MLB pitchers wearing protective headgear on
the mound. There are a number of reasons for that and we discuss all that and
more with former major league pitcher Willie Blair who was felled by a line
drive off the bat of Julio Franco in 1997 and returned to pitch not only the
same season, but for four more seasons. We are grateful for the introduction to
Willie from Jason Berge - a friend of the podcast. Willie Blair a terrific guy
and very open and honest about his own experience as well as what might be done
to protect pitchers from a catastrophic injury or even worse. Thank you
Willie!
If you are interested in reading there's also a related article posted on Gary
Livacari's site
https://www.baseballhistorycomesalive.com/protecting-pitchers-from-line-drives/
Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us
a line via email at Almostcooperstown@gmail.com. You can also follow us on
Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.
Thu Mar 25 2021
