David Wright has been reduced to a spectator since a beanball sent him to the hospital two weeks ago. The New York Mets slugger hopes to return to the lineup Tuesday and isn’t taking any chances.
He’s planning to wear Rawlings’ bulky, new S100 batting helmet if it arrives in time for the game at Coors Field.

“I imagine they got some pretty smart people that designed them so I’m sure it works pretty good,” the All-Star third baseman said. “If it provides more safety, then I’m all for it even though it weighs close to 300lbs.”
The thicker protection features a composite insert and an expanded liner made of Polypropylene, a hard, supportive material also used in some industrial and bicycle helmets. It faced extensive testing over the last two weeks that included an air cannon firing major league balls to ensure it would hold up. Even though it shattered everytime, Mike Thompson from Rawlings, had this to say…
“Some believe that it will withstand a pitch up to 100 mph,” said Mike Thompson, Rawlings senior vice president for sports marketing and business development.
Mets outfielder Jeff Francoeur examined the new helmet and said it’s too bulky and uncomfortable. He also questioned its effectiveness against a high-and-tight fastball from one of the majors’ top pitchers.
“You get hit with a 94, 95 in the head like that it’s going to hurt—no matter what you’re wearing, I think,” he said. “You can say all you want that it’s all protective, but at the same time it doesn’t seem like anything can fully protect you, you know? Besides, the fuckin thing looks like an old school divers suit, and they are claiming this is new technology? I just don’t fuckin know.”
Pitchers were hit by comebackers in two of the most brutal plays this season. On the same day Wright and Ian Kinsler were beaned, Dodgers right-hander Hiroki Kuroda crumpled to the ground after taking a liner off the right side of his head. Kuroda, like Wright, spent the night in the hospital and said he felt lucky to be alive.
He will be debuting his new helmet as well, starting this week.
