Why do softball fielders wear masks?

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 you need a face shield for softball?

Since 2006, softball batters have been required to wear a helmet with a face mask. But there are no rules for infielders — and none in the works.

Should U Wear a field mask in softball?

While face masks are not required in softball, it’s not uncommon to see every girl on the field wearing a face mask on young teams. Many feel that it is only necessary for the pitcher to wear a face mask, while some think every girl on the infield, and even in the outfield should be wearing one.

What is a fielders mask?

A fielding mask is the protective headgear that players use while playing in the field. The mask helps prevent injury from a hard hit ball or a bad hop that hits the fielder in the face.

Why do they wear masks in softball but not baseball?

Reaction time is reduced in softball because it is played on a more compact field — the distance from pitcher to batter is 43 feet, as opposed to 60 feet, 6 inches in baseball — and it’s common for batters to wear full facemasks.

Why do softball players wear masks but not baseball players?

Why is a softball called a softball?

The name “softball” was given to the game in 1926 because the ball used to be soft; however, in modern-day usage, the balls are hard. A tournament held in 1933 at the Chicago World’s Fair spurred interest in the game.

Why do softball players wear face masks and not baseball players?

Do college softball players wear face masks?

A batter and a pitcher wearing a mask on the field is something that is not seen in baseball but is the new norm in softball. In recent years it has become a custom thing to see softball players wear a face mask on the field or a batter having a cage on their helmet.

Do girl softball players wear cups?

USA Softball, a body that makes the rules for the leagues with over 150,000 teams nationally, has a mandatory cup rule applying to youth leagues.