Plastics Make a Hit in Baseball Plastic Makes a Hit in Baseball Warm weather and spring training are synonymous with baseball, and both are right around the corner. Many people may still believe that wood and leather are the dominant materials in baseball and softball. In fact, innovations in plastics have revolutionized safety and changed the way baseball and softball are played today. While batting helmets of the past were once made of leather or wood, today's helmets benefit from the inherent safety characteristics of plastics.
Baseball players get maximum traction on both natural and artificial services from plastic cleats.
Infielders, outfielders and pitchers, all use gloves with a lined polyurethane surface film to provide flexibility and protection. Since the catcher is especially vulnerable from injury, almost all of the equipment used is made or enhanced with plastics. Masks are made from a vinyl-coated metal frame and simulated leather pads, Chest Protectors are covered in nylon and made from polyethylene plastic sternum inserts, and Leg Guards are padded with plastic foam. Also, the Institute for Preventative Sports Medicine in Ann Arbor, Mich., reports that base sliding is responsible for 71 percent of all recreational softball accidents. The Institute also found that 98 percent of base sliding injuries could be prevented by installing safety-release bases made of plastic .