Impact resistance of head guards for baseball pitchers

Abstract

In recent years, pitchers have faced increased risks of being hit by pitches due to advancements in bat performance and the physical capabilities of baseball players. This has led to serious accidents, including concussions and skull fractures, from being struck in the head. To enhance pitcher safety, head guards are essential. Unlike helmets, head guards are lightweight and specifically designed to protect the sides of the head. In this study, two types of prototypes were developed to protect the sides of the head: a pitcher’s head guard cut from a batter’s helmet and a pitcher’s head guard created by removing the right side of a pitcher’s existing headgear. Their effectiveness was evaluated through collision experiments using a baseball and a human head model. The evaluation focused on two key factors: impacts that could cause skull fractures and those that could lead to concussions. Acceleration and impact load measurements were used to estimate potential brain and skull damage, respectively. The results demonstrated that the pitcher’s headgear provided the best protection against both concussions and skull fractures.