can my son use his own helmet?

[Lorix2]

I registered my son for little league - "coach pitch" I think it's called. I have not received any info yet, but was just thinking about this:

Since they have to wear a helmet while hitting, do I buy him his own? Should I be out looking for one? I'd rather they didn't share one helmet when they're up to bat. Can you tell I'm a first timer? I just don't know what's provided by the league...

Thanks

 

[sue1013]

When my son played little league they had batting helmets. Not one for each player a couple for the team. You could buy your own but with 12 or more little boys I wouldn't count on it not getting used by another player.

 

[Lorix2]

That's what I figured....don't they worry about lice? My kids had it once and was after playing dress up with hats and clothes with someone who had it, so I know the risk is greater here.

 

[buzzlady]

When my DS played, I bought him his own helmet. Make sure that you put his name on it or in it.

 

[chager]

We've played for 4 seasons now. Nick has always just used one of the helmets that was provided and has never had a problem. I know two of the kids always have their own helmets but they had their names on them because they were identical twins This year Nick wants his own because he wants it to be personalized (The twins got new air brushed helmets last year so now Nick wants one.)
Nick says that you should get him sliding shorts. He says they help because his legs don't hurt as bad when he slides into base. He also says to tell him to "have fun and don't take anything personally". (This coming from the kid that takes everything personally and drives his coach crazy because of it )

 

[Lorix2]

Chager - Nick's a doll, tell him he gave us really great advice! You know what's so ironic is that my son Dylan also wants his own helmet so he can have it airbrushed with flames. His best friend's name is Nick and his dad custom paints motorcycles and guitars for famous rock band members, so he wants him to paint his helmet for him. Kind of cool, huh?

Buzzlady - I would definitely put his name on it. Thanks!

 

[debster812]

Last year when DS played, his team shared 4 helmets, but they all wore their own ballcaps under the helmet. (Coach's wife insisted ). I think this is why I did not mind the helmet sharing.

Hope everyone has a great season

 

[Pop Daddy]

I once had a haircut that looked like a helmet

 

[Lorix2]

thanks Debster, I didn't think of that.

Hope yours has a great season too!

 

[CEDmom]

If you get your son a helmet I'd definitely personalize it, but not necessarily with his name. However, if one kid on a team has lice it doesn't take much for others to catch it. I once worked at a summer daycamp where one kid had lice and everyone in our group got it including the counselors. There wasn't any hat sharing just a lot of close contact during playing etc.

 

[Indyman]

Just a word of caution, if you buy your son a helmet read the warranty carefully as putting any kind of paint, stickers or other forms of personalization on the helmet may void the warranty.

 

[Lorix2]

Indyman - thank you...good to know.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My DS9 has played T-ball to "player pitch" baseball for 6 years now. He turned 4 the first season he played. I know, I know my husband is baseball obsessed.

I would buy him his own helmet. He can use it for many seasons. Also get him a bat that is the correct weight. Find a good salesperson who knows how to measure a child for a bat.

My son's helmet is airbrushed. We had it done one summer at Myrtle Beach. It has a Giant "G", with flames, on the front for his first initial. His whole name wouldn't fit, it is very long. It also has flaming baseballs on the sides. We had a friend polyurethane it for him. He has used it for 3 years, which is 6 seasons and it still looks like new.


Good luck to your son! I hope you enjoy baseball season. It is a great sport!

Lori

 

[Lorix2]

Thanks Lori! I suggest flaming baseballs to him and he said "well...how about flaming dirtbikes?" LOL! You can tell he's not "in" to it yet

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Lori, something else I thought about was monogramming his name on the back of his hat. It can be done at a kiosk at a mall rather cheaply. This helps when all of the players are looking for their hats at the same time in the dug out. Some coaches automatically have this done for the players. It helps the dug out Moms!

 

[Lorix2]

excellent idea! thanks!

 

[tar heel]

As the mom of three boys -- it only takes a few seconds to write your son's name on the underside of the bill of the hat. When the kids were little, this was sometimes done as the hats are distributed.

 

[Kallison]

We've had entire teams with head lice even with baseball hats on underneath. I get my son his own, but it is very hard to not have the other kids grab it too. I figure at least with boys and lice I can just shave everything off down to a buzz, so I try not to worry too much.

My DD had it in Kindergarten, it is not fun. Parents who have never experienced it don't realize why those of us who have are so neurotic.

 

[chager]

Nick wants the flaming baseball too....that's what his friends have. In our league the kids aren't allowed to wear their caps under the helmet. They say it is for safety reasons.
You may want to consider a heart guard too. Nick has one but doesn't care for it. However with kid pitch it is safer. We also bought a baseball thing that attaches to the pole in the basement so he can practice hitting. If he wears glasses I would also suggest purchasing sport glasses. We have finally broke down and decided to get them for Nick. But most of all...have fun