When my daughter was in high school ball (JV Actually) she played outfield (wasn't a coach's kid, soooo....) Anyhow, one of the - we will caller her lesser experienced - players went to catch a fly ball in practice and it hit her in the nose. Bloody mess ensued. Many of the other players and parents freaked out and wanted them all to wear masks. There were times when many parents and players screamed at her to wear a mask (in the outfield mind you). My daughter's response? Catch the ball you don't need a mask.

It was kind of the same thing when they were old enough to wear metal cleats. So many parents and kids were so against it. "You'll cut open your leg!" was what we heard more than once. My daughter's response? "These will make me even faster. Why would your cleats hit your leg anyway? If my cleats hit someone else, they should get out of my way."

Now I have seen some pitchers get popped in the face on a comebacker and they have always had a mask on and they were fine. Can't say I have ever seen an infielder take one in the face. And outfielders? Come on, man....