Helmet Head

A new rule seemed to appear out of the chilly night air of McCoy Stadium last week. After the death of third base coach Mike Coolbaugh last summer (he was struck with a batted ball) all coaches were required to wear batting helmets. THis policy has trickled down to anyone on the playing field. This means, of course, me, a photographer. I have no problem with this and am thinking of ways to customize a helmet. I have been clocked once, not in the head but in the leg and it ain't fun. I thought my leg had exploded. Major League parks have those cute little pits where photogs are protected and if you stay in the dugout at the Minors, you will be allowed sans helmet. Oh, the travails..