Safety on the Baseball Field

By Brian Gotta, President of Upstart Sports

I’m a big stickler for safety when it comes to youth recreational sports. Small kids don’t always foresee the consequences of their actions and thus, need us adults to be sure they aren’t accidentally put in harm’s way. Of all sports, baseball has the potential to be the most dangerous without proper oversight.

I’ve seen T-ball coaches arrive at practice, lay down an open equipment bag, and turn away to talk to other parents while 6 year-old players pulled out bats and balls with no supervision. I’ve even watched games and practices at higher levels where you’d think the coach would know better, and helmets, balls and bats are strewn out all over the field or next to the backstop. Just because your equipment is “out of play” doesn’t mean it’s out of the way. Players chasing fly balls or overthrows aren’t always watching where they’re going. You don’t want a player to come down on a piece of equipment and twist or break an ankle. A good rule of thumb is that if a ball could be hit or thrown there, make sure no equipment is lying there.

Many coaches and managers don’t realize this either, but if a child is hurt on the field and any negligence, (such as equipment not properly stored), contributed to that injury, the coach or manager – not the league, could be responsible.

​Brian Gotta is a former professional recreational youth baseball coach and volunteer Little League coach and board member. He is President of Help Kids Play, a collection of companies whose mission is to further the development and enjoyment of youth sports.