BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
Baseball and softball season is starting again, along with many other sports. Here are some tips to keep safe on the field:
• Use breakaway bases, many players get injured while sliding into bases. The number of these mishaps could be significantly lowered by installing breakaway bases on playing fields. A breakaway base is snapped onto grommets attached to an anchored rubber mat that holds it in place during play. When a runner slides into the base, it can be dislodged to avoid direct contact and injury. During normal base running, the breakaway base is stable and will not detach.
• Protective gear protective equipment is one of the most important factors in minimizing the risk of injury in baseball. This equipment must fit properly and be worn correctly.
- Wear a batting helmet at the plate, when waiting a turn at bat, and when running bases.
- The catcher must always use a catcher's mitt. If playing another position, find out about specific size requirements for the mitt.
- Catchers should always wear a helmet, face mask, throat guard, long-model chest protector, protective supporter, and shin guards when catching batting practice and during games.
- Most leagues prohibit the use of shoes with steel spikes. Instead, wear molded, cleated baseball shoes.
- Inspect the playing field for holes, glass, rocks, and other debris.
• Stay in condition year-round with some form of regular exercise. Start with something as simple as brisk walking.
• Someone (a teammate, referee or spectator) should know first aid. Make sure someone on the team carries first aid equipment, particularly ice or ice packs.
• Don't go straight from the car onto the field. Arrive early and warm up with a walk or an easy jog. Stretch before the game, but not when muscles are cold. It's a good idea to move around or stretch during the idle periods. Learn stretches that are appropriate for that sport.
• Drink plenty of water or other fluids such as sports drinks during and after the game.
• If a player starts to feel pain, discomfort or fatigue, get a coach to put in a substitute. Don't overdo it.
For questions or more information, please contact Master Sgt. Brent Hammond in the 940th Air Refueling Wing Safety Office.