HSMs and Medical Advise

[semper_fi_72]

Ok guys really need your input and feedback on this.

As most of you may know I recently received a concussion.

At least the second confirmed one in two years.

Yesterday I had a 2nd follow up Doctor appointment for it and also my annual physical.

This was with my regular doctor who was out last week, so this is the first time I seen him after my concussion.

He is also a baseball fan, even though he is a Dodger fan

He wants me to wear a HSM, Period!!!!!!!!

I told him I had gotten better pads for my mask (Team Wendy) and that should provide better protection.

He said that with the two confirmed concussions in the last two years and my age he wants my full head protected to help reduce receiving a blow any where else to my head besides a mask shot. I have never been hit by anything but a ball to the mask, although I have seen video of MLB guys getting hit by bats on back swings and after they have broken.

Not sure if I can disagree with him but just not sure a HSM really provides more protection then a good mask with good pads.

I know it makes you feel better protected.

If you have any research articles on this and HSMs please let me know.

I also got lectured about using more sun screen although he doesn't see anything that concerns him.

[Welpe]

From what I've read, MiLB performed a study on concussions with traditional masks vs. HSMs and found no significant difference in concussion rates. I'm sure somebody has more concrete information about this than I.

[rth54]

I would certainly go with my doctor until you have clear evidence to support doing otherwise.

[scrounge]

I've seen this said in posts as well but have never once seen a link or an actual quote. I have seen posts from Brad from All-Star where he stated that there certain areas where a traditional mask will do as well as a HSM but virtually none where it outperforms the HSM. And there are areas (side, TOP, etc) where the HSM is much superior.

I don't know if the research that All-Star conducted includes advanced traditional padding like Team Wendy, which may be a great equalizer. For my own part, I HAVE had a ball impact on the side where a traditional mask would have given me nothing in the way of protection. Batter leaned back on a high & inside, brings the bat into his chest, ball hits bat and deflects right into my helmet on the lower right earhole. It does happen.

From what I've read, <acronym title='Minor League Baseball '>MiLB</acronym> performed a study on concussions with traditional masks vs. HSMs and found no significant difference in concussion rates. I'm sure somebody has more concrete information about this than I.

[Mike Prince]

Here you go Semper:

http://midwestump.blogspot.com/2009/03/umpire-concussions-mama-said-knock-you.html

http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2008/12/c-given-to-student-study-on-traditional.html

For what it's worth, I'd follow the doctor's advice and use the HSM. I am sure you'll get used to it the more you wear it.

[semper_fi_72]

Mike

Thanks great info and I plan on reading it a few times.

I am emailing Brad at All Star also.

[jourdyn08]

i use a HSM. it is not the best in the Mississippi heat in the summer, but a few years a go i took a shot to the head with a traditional mask and i went down. we as umpires are always looking out for the players, coaches, and fans safety but we must also look out for our own. Every game you call you are getting older and the game is getting faster. it the technologically is out there for umpire safety i am going to use it.

[boyinr]

Semper

Check your PM.

[JaxRolo]

I'll give you $5 for your Team Wendy's pads!!!! Just Kidding!

I think it is a good idea to protect your head completely. I have not personally wore a HSM but considering it for next year.

[Mike Prince]

HSM has some safety appeal, the issue I have is I know if I got one I'd spend a lot of money on the All-Star and then be afraid I won't like it.

[NWA_UMP]

I have considered the All Star as well. Not for safety...better vision.

[semper_fi_72]

Semper

Check your PM.

Got it and thanks

[midmoump]

Semper,

I'm not a medical expert and, unfortunately, there is not a scientific/medical study that will conclusively tell you which type or brand of head protection to buy. However, there are a few basic principles that can be applied when making your decision:

First, the energy of a baseball must go somewhere, so it is either deflected or absorbed. It seems to me that deflection is the best defense, so an angular cage is better than a flat cage. Most <acronym title='Hockey Style Mask '>HSM</acronym> have more angle than traditional facemasks, and consequently the <acronym title='Hockey Style Mask '>HSM</acronym> has a greater chance at deflecting the ball's energy.

Second, absorption is a question without any reliable testing. Are the Team Wendy pads superior to Wilson wrap around pads? I dunno. Team Wendy has conducted their own testing and THEIR results are impressive.

Umpire Ed Hickox has suffered as many serious head injuries as I've heard of, and the last I heard he is wearing an All Star <acronym title='Hockey Style Mask '>HSM</acronym> with a steel cage (steel is more absorbant than titanium). I also read a story recently about an NHL goalie who changed from titanium to a heavier steel cage after a head injury. It begs the question whether a heavy two pound steel facemask offers more protection than a one pound titanium cage.

Finally, I suffered a mild concussion earlier this year when I was hit in the jaw while wearing a traditional mask. I felt the effects for two weeks. I wonder if this blow (which wasn't really that severe) would have been reduced if I had been wearing a mouth guard to create distance between my jaw and skull (head of the condyle and glenoid fossa).

I hope this information is helpful in your decision making process.

Pete

[semper_fi_72]

To all my Brothers:

Thanks to all your responses, PM and information.

I have also been provided information from Brad at All Star.

His information along with what everyone else has provided today has been great.

While I know nothing eliminates the possibility of getting a concussion behind the plate, I will now be using my MVP2500 System 7 HSM full time behind the plate.

I will also probably add the MVP4000 with steel cage to my equipment inventory as soon as I can.

While we may agree to disagree at times, when questions for advise or assistance is made like I asked in this question, I am amazed how we truly are a Brotherhood and are willing to provide experience, knowledge, information or any advice we have to assist each other.

Thank you my Brothers of the Blue

[SAB_UIC_TX]

I've read as much as I can find on this topic; what i've found that would give a HSM any sort of advantage is the forward angel of the cage, meaning that the steeper the angle of the cage the less energy will be transfered from the ball into your head, angle of deflection is important. That being said a traditional style mask that takes a ball square to the face more energy could be transfered straight into your head v. being deflected by a steeper angle cage. Glancing blows to the sides, bottom, or TOP will take the mask off of your head with a significant of energy transfer.

I'm not sure you can make a blanket statement that a HSM will provide more protection. Just because there is more material around your head doesn't correlate to more protection in and of itself. The angle of the cage and the padding between your head and the cage are critical.

I'm curious, if you're taking head shots, are you working over the TOP of the catcher or the slot? Could you work farther in the slot?

[semper_fi_72]

I've read as much as I can find on this topic; what i've found that would give a HSM any sort of advantage is the forward angel of the cage, meaning that the steeper the angle of the cage the less energy will be transfered from the ball into your head, angle of deflection is important. That being said a traditional style mask that takes a ball square to the face more energy could be transfered straight into your head v. being deflected by a steeper angle cage. Glancing blows to the sides, bottom, or TOP will take the mask off of your head with a significant of energy transfer.

I'm not sure you can make a blanket statement that a HSM will provide more protection. Just because there is more material around your head doesn't correlate to more protection in and of itself. The angle of the cage and the padding between your head and the cage are critical.

I'm curious, if you're taking head shots, are you working over the TOP of the catcher or the slot? Could you work farther in the slot?

There is video of my plate work from a recent game on this forum.

No I am not taking head shots.

They have been straight on flush shots to the mask.

Absolutely nothing wrong with my positioning.

In fact all three have been from inside pitches that would have been balls all the way, but where fouled off by the batter.

So in these cases a better angled mask/cage as on a HSM would be more beneficial.

A steel cage is also more beneficial.

If the steel bends from a blow that bending action has absorbed and transferred some of the energy away from your head, face and jaw.

After doing my checking, no one should complain if their steel mask or cage got bent from a blow.

By doing so it disbursed the force.

Ultimately I now have to be concerned not only with diminishing blows to the front but must also safe guard against any blows that I could receive behind the plate.

An off spin to what someone else said.

I love umpiring but would rather be home with my family eating my vegetables during dinner instead of being one.

Nothing will ever eliminate the possibility of getting a concussion but for me a HSM now appears to provides the level of protection I need to continue umpiring.

[ScottFaulkenberry]

I have had two major neck surgeries due to a motorcycle crash at work...I have had three levels of my cervical spine fused, C4-5, 5-6, 6-7, and have a two level plate at C4-5, 5-6....Living in Cali has one benefit, close to the best doctors....Having played baseball in college, I had contacts to get me in to see Dr. Robert Watkins Sr. in Marina Del Rey...He used to be at Kerlan-Jobe...All the pro athletes go to him for back problems...He did both my surgeries. When I told him I would be umpiring this year, he suggested a HSM for me, for the full head protection. I went with the Wilson Shock FX 2.0 Pro Stock, due to the shock absorbers, to help dissipate the energy on foul tips straight back. I took a few foul tips this season, and besides the ringing in the ears from the sound, I never felt a thing, and never had any problems with my neck the entire season! I really like my mask, I know everyone seems to like the new All Star stuff, but I am a fan of Wilson, in fact, all my gear is Wilson, and I really liked it this season. Me personally, I think a HSM just gives you more secure protection....

[rth54]

Just goes to show that "best" is what is best for each individual. Kylejt astutely pointed out that for masks and helmets it comes down to what is the best fit for your particular face/head.