Western-Star.com

No hard hat is required for high school baseball coaches this spring, but it may be coming.

Nationally, some high school coaches are voluntarily donning protective helmets. Major League Baseball made it mandatory for first- and third-base coaches as a response to a tragedy in a Double-A game last season. Tulsa Drillers first-base coach Mike Coolbaugh, 35, was struck below the ear by a hit ball and died July 22.

Some high school coaches think it might be a little bit of overkill.

"I haven't seen any high school coaches locally wearing any yet," said Springboro coach Mark Pelfrey. "Personally, I don't think it should be required at this level. I don't believe it's necessary. High school players don't hit the ball as hard as major leaguers. There will always be that one time when someone is hurt. I'll need some evidence of other incidents before I would support it."

Elliot Hopkins, baseball rules editor at the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations, said the organization will address the helmet issue in its annual questionnaire. He said if enough states approve it, the baseball rules committee will take a look at it becoming a rule in June. The NFHS baseball rules committee last met before the Coolbaugh tragedy.

Hopkins pointed out a recent incident in Maryland where a coach suffered a fractured skull.

"It's been hit and miss," Hopkins said. "I've heard a few Tennessee coaches are wearing helmets. A Bethesda, Md., coach was struck in the head last (month) and the school (St. Albans) and the association (Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association) are considering making it mandatory. That's all I've been hearing. A nonadult in the coaching box is required to wear a helmet with a double flap. Coaches have a choice for now."

Panthers first-base coach Johnny Zimmerman admits he is alert in the coaching box.

"When our big left-handed hitters are up, like Cory (Hough) and Mike (Kindel), I'll back up," Zimmerman said. "Their quick bats keep you on your toes. You just have to pay attention to objects leaving the field. I don't want to downplay a tragedy, but the game has been around forever without coaches wearing helmets. You have to be alert all the time."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2478 or rjackson@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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