When a coach was standing beside third base and got clocked in the head with a wayward ball, the baseball officials decided it was time to protect their players and coaches. The gentleman had a severe concussion and always wore full batting helmet everywhere after that incident. Mike Coolbaugh, a minor league coach was hit by a ball below his ear and fell over unconscious. He died a couple of hours later at the hospital.

Coaches have been told now that they are supposed to wear the full batting helmet used by the players at all times. Most already do have some form of protection they wear to stop these injuries from happening. There are plenty of safety issues and it just makes sense to wear a helmet most coaches agree. It is common sense to some, but others are not taking the new baseball rule to heart. They think it makes them look silly and cumbersome. Most, however, say it is a good rule and they will follow the rule. If it saves one person from being hurt, then it has done its job. Most take their lead after Coolbaugh was killed. Batted balls can sometimes go stray and at least with protective head gear, the coaches and players will be ready.