This season in MLB there is one new rule that is making at least one coach upset.  The new "Mike Coolbaugh" rule that all basepath coaches must wear helmets when they're on the field has been set.  Dodgers third-base coach Larry Bowa it against it.

 Mike Coolbaugh was killed while coaching first base for Colorado's Double-A Tulsa affiliate last July 22. In a game at Arkansas, Coolbaugh was hit below the ear and knocked unconscious by a line drive. Coolbaugh was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. He was 35. In 2008 a new rule makes it mandatory for all coaches on the base paths to wear helmets.

  Dodgers 3rd sack coach said in a story on MLB.com "That's not for me," said Bowa, a former player and manager in the Major Leagues in his first year with the Dodgers. "My question is, how can I be in the league 40 years and the league says who wears a helmet and who doesn't? One guy got killed and I'm sorry it happened. But bats break and they can be a deadly weapon. Do something about bats.

"Umpires get hit with line drives. I've probably seen 50 of them get hit. If coaches have to wear helmets, umpires should. I'll sign a waiver. And there should be a grandfather clause. These are very cumbersome. They talk about delay of game, and when the helmet falls off, you'll have to stop the game. It should be an option. I know I'm talking for a lot of guys who won't say anything. I'll write a check for 162 games if I have to not wear it."

I am not surprised the new rule had a complaint against it.  I am sure many more coaches didn't like it either.  The chances of getting hit and killed by a ball are so small that there isn't another case in the 120 plus year history of MLB. 

  Bowa has actually worn a helmet in the spring but he may just take a little more getting used to it than others.  It could be something much worse to have to deal with at your job like many other Americans are dealing with right now, not having one!

  Begin Rant-  Larry suck it up and forget about it.  Hockey players got used to it real quick and it was a good thing they did.  What he should be upset about is having to wear a full blown uniform with hat and cleats!  How about to add to the coaches looking so much like players they give the base coaches gloves to look like foul 1st and 3rd baseman!  I don't think putting on a batting helmet is going to hurt you!

  Maybe I am completely off base here (pun intended).  Maybe the NFL should make the coaches wear shoulder pads ,cleats, and helmets.  NFL coaches have more of a chance getting hit by someone or something that could severly hurt them than any other coach.  Maybe the NBA should have the coaches wear shorts and tank tops as well!

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