Rule 1.16

Rule 1.16

A Professional League shall adopt the following rule pertaining to the use of helmets:

(a)        All players shall use some type of protective helmet while at bat and while running the bases.

(b)        All players in National Association Leagues shall wear a double ear-flap helmet

            while at bat.

(c)        All Major League players must wear a single ear-flap helmet (or at the player’s option, a double ear-flap helmet).

(d)        All catchers shall wear a catcher’s protective helmet, while fielding their position.

(e)        All base coaches shall wear a protective helmet while performing their duties.

(f)         All bat/ball boys or girls shall wear a double ear-flap protective helmet while performing their duties.

Rule 1.16 Comment: If the umpire observes any violation of these rules, he shall direct the violation to be corrected. If the violation is not corrected within a reasonable time, in the umpire’s judgment, in the umpire’s judgment, the umpire shall eject the offender from the game, and disciplinary action, as appropriate, will be recommended.

DISCUSSION

Rule 1.16(e) Base coaches must wear helmets

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080302&content_id=2400383&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Rule 1.16(f) Ball boys/girls must wear helmets

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7357243

Rule 1.16(d) A catcher must wear a helmet, but a throat guard is not mandatory.

HISTORY
Even though the first helmets were developed and worn in MLB contests during the early 1900's, MLB batters were not required to wear helmets until 1971. However, veteran players were given the option whether to wear one. The last MLB player to bat without a helmet was Bob Montgomery in 1979. In 1983 batters were required to wear a helmet with a single ear flap, although veterans were again given the option to wear helmets without ear flaps. In 2002 Tim Raines was the last player to wear a batting helmet without ear flaps.

Bob Montgomery batting in 1979