Kernels see value of extra protection

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Kernels recently saw first hand the value of the new Rawlings S100 batting helmets.

In a game last week at Beloit, Snappers outfielder Angel Morales took a fastball from Kernels reliever Johnny Hellweg to the side of the head. Not only did he turn out OK physically, he missed one game.

“I just saw a guy in Beloit get hit by a pitch in the head that was 98 miles per hour,” Kernels Manager Bill Mosiello said. “Two days later, he played. How could I say what would have happened (if he wasn't wearing the S100)? All I know is he got drilled in the side of the head, and he played two days later. Enough said.”

Unlike their major league counterparts, minor leaguers are required to wear the new extra-padded helmets. There are no ifs, ands or buts.

You've got to put them on when you bat, even if it makes you look like The Great Gazoo of Flintstones fame.

“You don't even notice them after awhile,” said Abe Flores, Director of Player Development for the parent Los Angeles Angels. “The first time I saw them in spring training, I thought ‘God, look at those Kazoo-looking things.' Young people don't know who Kazoo is, but ...

“It's a safety issue. I haven't been asking, but I haven't heard one player yet say ‘God, these are uncomfortable. God, these are heavy.' I haven't heard that. Usually you would hear little rumblings, but I haven't heard that.”

Kernels first baseman Casey Haerther said there are no rumblings because the players have simply gotten used to wearing them.

“They're definitely a lot bigger than we're used to,” Haerther said. “They're a lot more bulky, a lot heavier ... Last year's were definitely more comfortable than this year's. But they're made for safety, and like we saw the other day, John Hellweg hits a Beloit guy in the head with a fastball.

“Who knows what the difference is going to be (between helmets), but these do make you feel a lot safer when you're up there and a guy is throwing hard.”