Nothing says Big Leagues like a one ear flap helmet. It's unmistakable. Turn on the TV and see one of these babies, you know you're watching the world's very best. Its unusual lop-sided style is revered by all who play the game, not so much for its looks but its exclusivity. It's the helmet that my generation saw on the heads of our favorite players growing up, and it's the helmet that every young ballplayer dreams of some day wearing.
If I were to make it to the Big Leagues tomorrow, priority number one would be getting myself a one ear flap helmet - I firmly believe that's the first step to being taken seriously as a Major League hitter. When a guy steps to the plate wearing a normal double ear flap helmet, what half the crowd sees is an at-bat long window to run to the bathroom or grab a hot dog. Nothing is expected from Mr. Double Ear Flap - he doesn't wear a Big League helmet, why should fans give him Big League attention?
It's Little League stuff. I compare the Big Leaguer who wears a double ear flap to the college player who still wears his hat underneath his helmet. It doesn't mean they're not a good player, but until they look the part, they'll never be fully treated as one. It sounds ridiculously superficial - mainly because it is - but it's true. The one ear-flap helmet is a privilege, something that represents more than just head protection. It's the helmet reserved for the best. Not in the Majors? Sorry, nothing we can do - Big Leaguers only. It's an honor. Ahh, what it must feel like to track a fastball while the wind tickles my liberated left ear.
But still, some Major Leaguers refuse to conform to the Big League style, and for the life of me I can't understand why. Not to knock the likes of Shane Victorino and Orlando Hudson - two of the most notable offenders - but they've seen themselves in these things, right? I know they're both switch-hitters and you could make an argument for not wanting to carry two helmets around, but you're telling me that's worth a lifetime of looking like an emergency call-up? In today's world of assistants and clubhouse attendants, I find it hard to believe using two separate helmets is all that cumbersome. Maybe Shane and O-Dawg just don't have the resources that are available to other switch hitters who are able to carry two helmets, such as Mark Teixeira, Chipper Jones, Carlos Beltran, Lance Berkman, Ben Zobrist, Jimmy Rollins, Victor Martinez... ok, that can't be it.
I suppose they just like it? Who knows.
What I do know is that when I see former teammates finally make their Big League debut, it doesn't quite hit me until I see them wearing that iconic helmet. Once I've witnessed them hitting with a naked ear, that's when it starts to sink in. They made it.
 |
Shout out to Earl Battey, whose innovation started the one ear flap movement and kept future generations from sporting Oleruds.
Related Article
O's lose to college team - big deal?
Terry Francona on Baseball Tonight
The Curtain Call
Coolest park to hit a home run?
Top 5 Questions Heading into the 2012 Season
Would you want Manny on your team?
College Baseball's Opening Day
On-Field Composure
When did "Can I have your autograph" turn into "Give me a ball"?
Baseball Needs a 24/7 Show
Top 10 Things to Do in the Dugout During a Day Off
The Spit Hit
Being Friends with Pitchers
The Yankee Core
Opening Day
You Play Right Field?
It's Not Always Sunny in Arizona
Tee Work
Helmet for Pitchers?
Approaching Spring Training
Top 5 Things I Won't Miss About My Local Gym
Getting New Equipment
Last Day at Work
My Bat of Choice
The Superstitions and Quirks of a Ballplayer
The Art of the Autograph
Greensboro's 'Bat Dogs'
Tim Kurkjian is a Man Among Boys
Baseball Movie All-Star Game: Starting Lineups
Walk-Out Music
Pre-Draft Medical Questionnaires
The Ryan Howard Namesake
The Magic of the Rally
Jeter and A-Rod, How Times Have Changed
Summer Leagues - Cape Still Cream of the Crop?
SportsCenter Commercials are Better Than Most Shows
Schilling's Bloody Sock
Red Sox Nation Goes Crazy, JD Drew Can't Be Bothered
Minor League Hats are the Way to Go
Who Has the Best Uniforms in College Baseball?
who's the guy from the yanks last year who wore the awful minor league space helmet with one ear flap? give me the victorino over that piece all day
ReplyDeletehaha Cervelli! Nice call, check out the difference in helmet size...
Deletehttp://www.i-yankees.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/x2_d68a6e.jpg
Switch-hitters wear double ear flap helmets so they don't have to leave the field in the middle of an at-bat to switch sides.
ReplyDeleteUmm when would that ever happen? If they changed pitchers during an at-bat he'd have 8 warm up pitches to go get his other helmet, no one switches mid at-bat (unless you're referring to the unbelievably rare switch pitcher vs switch hitter situation, but I think they've even put some rules in place now that limits you from going back and forth).
Delete