Not all pitchers in slo-pitch and softball leagues will have to wear face masks, that according to the regional Director of Slo-Pitch national in Atlantic Canada.
Mike Harding says he is aware of three leagues currently, including the Metro Moncton Slo-Pitch league that are making it mandatory this season..
He expects more will follow suit in the future, “This year it is three, next year it might be a couple more leagues jumping on, but it takes time. All of the leagues will probably eventually go that way, because of the injuries. I don’t think there are necessarily more injuries, but they are more severe.”
Harding says social media is bringing more attention to the injuries, “Years ago, unless you were there, you didn’t hear about it, now you just hear about it more because of social media. The bats are better the balls are better, so there is some argument to it. Any additional safety precautions you can take is a good thing.”
Some leagues used the face masks last year, and more are choosing to use them this year.
Harding says it is recommended, but it up to the leagues discretion whether they make them mandatory or not.
