Batting Helmet

[a47mlb]

Something I've been wondering about for a while is the one-ear-flap batting helmet worn in the majors. I know it's mandatory for a player to have at least one ear-flap on the helmet, and obviously it's on the side facing the pitcher.

But what I've always wondered is why a switch-hitter will have two different one-flapped helmets depending on which side of the plate they are on. Why wouldn't they just have one helmet with two ear flaps? Is it a vanity thing? Is it a 'coolness' thing? Is it a hearing thing? They do, as per the rules, have the option to wear a two-flapped helmet. Just wondering why they don't.

Oh yea, and GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fishyguy]

It is for all those things. Comfort, hearing, vision, etc.... and probably some vanity for some players. In the scope of things it costs a team a few hundred bucks to outfit a few switch hitting players additional helmets. Hardly a drop in the bucket in the operating expense of the team.

[IFallsRon]

Vanity. Even the most spare won't wear a double-flapper so as not to look like a Little Leaguer.

[a47mlb]

It is for all those things. Comfort, hearing, vision, etc.... and probably some vanity for some players. In the scope of things it costs a team a few hundred bucks to outfit a few switch hitting players additional helmets. Hardly a drop in the bucket in the operating expense of the team.

Hearing? From the looks of some of those stupid base running errors this year, they don't listen anyways.

Comfort? They've got a helmet on for how many minuets a game?

Vision? Yea, maybe. But the new helmets have that peripheral vision notch cut out now anyways. And the one side they currently have on is on the pitcher side. So the opposite side flap is a non-issue while hitting.

Vanity? Yep, I'm going with that.

[ozzie]

well think about the comfort thing.....you say they only wear it for a few minutes at a time but would you want to have your xxmillion dollar player uncomfortable at the plate even for a minute? I am sure the 2 ear flapped helmets are a little warmer also.........

[fishyguy]

OK...so its only for a couple of minutes at a time. During that time they have to watch a ball coming at them at 90+ miles an hour, determine if that ball has any spin on it and what is it going to do, determine if it will be in the strike zone and then hit that 90 mph round object square with a second round object solidly in the sweet spot knowing the difference between a pop up and home run could be as little as a 1/4". All this in the time it takes a 90 mph fastball to travel 60 feet (a little more than a half a second). Yeah, any little distraction could be a problem. If its vanity or not, why would anyone care. If a player thinks it cuts his field of vision, or keeps him from hearing instruction, or whatever, then wouldn't you want him wearing whatever gives him the best chance to be successful whether is was a real issue or not. Since every major leaguer does it does that mean every one is vain when it comes to their helmets or do you think it may have a function?

[a47mlb]

Since every major leaguer does it does that mean every one is vain when it comes to their helmets or do you think it may have a function?

That's the intent of the original question. Is it vanity or does the one-eared flap actually serve a purpose? And that's why I asked? I don't know. We can all speculate on the reason, but I would love to ask an actual big leaguer. I really don't care one way of the other. I'm just a curious person and was wondering. All good replys, though. Thanks.