Protective gear can dramatically reduce the risk of baseball and softball injuries .
For fast pitch softball and baseball, both adults and children should wear batting helmets, complete with face protectors. A shin guard on the forward batting leg provides protection from fast, wild pitches. Umpires and catchers also need chest padding, helmets with masks, and shin gear. Shape up before you play. Conditioning is essential to handle all types of throws, and the stops, starts, swings, and slides in a typical game.