New helmet required in minor leagues in ’10

NEW YORK (AP) — David Wright has been reduced to a spectator since a beanball sent him to the hospital two weeks ago. The New York Mets slugger hopes to return to the lineup today and isn’t taking any chances.

He’s planning to wear Rawlings’ bulky, new S100 batting helmet if it arrives in time for the game at Coors Field.

“I imagine they got some pretty smart people that designed them so I’m sure it works pretty good,” the All-Star third baseman said. “If it provides more safety, then I’m all for it.”

The helmet has drawn some barbs. Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster wore it and said it felt like “my own bobblehead day.”

No matter, Minor League Baseball and the St. Louis-based company announced Monday it will be required in the minors beginning next season. Six S100 helmets are being sent to each major league team for its players to try out for the rest of this year.

The thicker protection features a composite insert and an expanded liner made of Polypropylene, a hard, supportive material also used in some industrial and bicycle helmets. It faced extensive testing over the last two years that included an air cannon firing major league balls to ensure it would hold up.

“We’re confident that it will withstand a pitch up to 100 mph,” said Mike Thompson, Rawlings senior vice president for sports marketing and business development.

Several major league players could have used that extra protection in August.

Wright was hit by a 94 mph heater from San Francisco’s Matt Cain, and Reds third baseman Scott Rolen also landed on the DL with a concussion. Blue Jays shortstop Marco Scutaro returned to the lineup Sunday for the first time since he was hit in the head by a pitch from Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett on Friday night.

Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler was upset but OK after a fastball from Boston reliever Fernando Cabrera bounced off his shoulder and hit him in the helmet.

“It’s one of those things that happens,” Rolen said. “Nobody’s out there trying to throw at guys’ heads — that’s the idea.”