Unanchored Portable Soccer Goal Causes Fatality

Third-grader, Juan Escalera, 9 dies after soccer goal falls on him causing brain trauma.  It is unclear as to what caused the goal to fall while Juan and his cousins were playing soccer after church in Sampson County, NC. 

There have been 36 deaths in the U.S. since 1979 from portable soccer goals falling.  Goals should be held down with stakes or sand bags as they can weigh up to 500lbs. 

Click here to see our prior blog and video on this topic “Video Explains Soccer Goal Tip Over Hazards”

Source: WRAL Local News

Oversized Baseball Helmets Being Used In Minor Leagues

The new helmets are not popular with players, but they can withstand pitches up to 100mph.  A must-use equipment in the minors this year, the Rawlings S100 helmet includes an expanded liner made of polypropylene for more protection. 

“I don’t even look in the mirror,” said Justin Turner, an infielder for the Norfolk Tides, The Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.  “I think they’re ridiculous.  I’ve been hit in the face in the College World Series.  There’s got to be a way to put more protection in the helmet and not have them look that atrocious,” he said. 

“New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli is the only big leaguer wearing one on a regular basis.  He’d already sustained a couple of concussion when manger Joe Girardi persuaded Cervelli to pick safety over style.  “It’s ugly,” Cervelli said in spring training, adding, “It’s not about how it looks, I’ve got to take care of myself.” 

It will be interesting to see how the new helmets are accepted in minor league baseball and their impact on concussions.  If favorable, the trend could spread to the major leagues, colleges, and high schools.  Its not clear if the pitch speeds in youth baseball justify the extra protection at this point.

Source:  Insurance Journal, May 28, 2010  

Rawlings S-100