There are numerous ways a baseball player can sustain injury, including pulling muscles and tearing ligaments. In general, serious injuries result from being hit by a ball, a bat, another player or an inanimate object.
Safety tips
- Do not drink alcohol or use drugs before or during play.
- Practise sliding both head and feet first before trying it in a game.
- Play on level and well-conditioned fields to limit uneven terrain and wild bounces.
- Avoid playing where there are any physical obstacles such as trees or benches.
- Balls that are softer than standard may reduce, limit or prevent ball-impact injuries.
- Everyone must stay clear of the batter’s swing.
- Use bases that release from their anchor when slid into.
- Spectators should remain aware of the events of the game at all times.
Protective equipment
- Wear a helmet when batting, base running, catching and umpiring.
- Wear face shields when batting in hardball to protect the face, eyes, head and neck.
- Boys and men should use equipment that protects their genitals.
- Girls and women should wear chest protectors when batting.