Aug. 17, 1920: Indians shortstop Ray Chapman dies after being hit in the head by a pitch from Yankee Carl Mays, prompting Major League Baseball to ban the spitball, require umpires to replace dirty balls.

1950s/60s: Players use plastic inserts for protection.

1971: MLB makes batting helmets mandatory.

1983: MLB makes helmets with at least one earflap mandatory

July 11, 2006: Rawlings introduces the CoolFlo helmet with vents

July 22, 2007: Rockies minor league first base coach Mike Coolbaugh is killed by a batted ball to the head

Nov. 8, 2007: MLB mandates all base coaches wear batting helmets

August, 2009: Rawlings introduces the S100 helmet, built to withstand pitches of up to 100 mph

Aug. 31, 2009: MLB announces that it will mandate minor league players wear the S100 in 2010.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez works against a San Diego Padres batter during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, March 28, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Credit: AP

Featured

An aerial image shows the Atlanta skyline on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez