New batting helmet required in minors in 2010

Baseball’s top prospects will have even more protection at the plate next season.

The Associated Press today said Rawlings and Minor League Baseball are announcing that the St. Louis-based company’s new S100 batting helmet will be required in the minors next season. Six of the sturdy helmets also are being sent to each major league team for its players to try out for the rest of this year.

The helmet is designed to withstand a 100 mph pitch, but some major leaguers say it’s too bulky and uncomfortable.

This month, third basemen David Wright of the Mets and Scott Rolen of the Reds were beaned and landed on the disabled list with concussions. Wright says he’s hoping to try out the S100 when he’s activated before tomorrow’s game in Colorado.