And what about first and third base coaches and the umpires? A minor league coach got killed earlier this year.

well that's easy, base runners are constantly having the ball purposely thrown in their direction (pick-offs from pitchers). base runners do not wear helmets because of the danger of a hit ball. there is anywhere from 90 - 180 feet always between a base runner and a batter. any base runner who cannot react in time with space like this should perhaps reconsider his career choice. as for the minor league coach who died, he wasn't paying attention, i'm not saying he deserved it but perhaps he should have been watching the game he was coaching.

another reason base runners wear helmets is because of head first slides. many base runners have had head injurys even with the protective gear. the helmet makes it so a runner can lower his head and protect his face as well as his skull.

all umpires (minus the plate ump) have a considerable amount of space between the plate and where they stand. there is plenty of space for any healthy human to move away from the flight path of a ball. the plate ump does wear protective gear because he is the only one in harm's way.

Mainly because of the first pitch that can hit them in the head, and when they slide into bases. Sliding after full throttle sprinting into someone's knee with your skull would cause concussions, fractures, or even sudden death. Infielders, outfielders, and pitchers can USUALLY avoid stuff like that a little easier!

The baserunners are wearing a BATTING helmet, for protecting the head while at bat. And the coaches and umpires may wear them if they like. The only place I remember seeing the base coaches wear helmets is in Little League.

There are times when runners are not watching the path of the ball, like when they are stealing. Also when running to 3rd or home they can't see the ball coming in from the outfield behind them.

infielders and pitcher have GLOVES and they can see the ball coming right at them..base runners don't always have a good view of the ball...and who cares about the umpires...besides its baseball **** happens...look at their pay check, nobody its complaining...

cause they wear them when they bat first of all and they do not have gloves to protect them and also if a play is coming from behind them they have a chance at being blasted in the back of the dome come on what kind of ? is that

The base runner is concentrating on getting to the next base so they may not always have their eye on the ball. Everyone else on the field should be keeping their eye on the ball. Even the fans in the stands should keep their eye on the ball to avoid being injured.

Base runners often run head-first into bases, and their helmet protects them from getting spiked in the head by a cleat or some other hard object. Also they are paying more attention on the next base instead of the ball.

For an infielder, I think the helmet would be too clunky. If diving into the hole to field a ball, the helmet might very well slide enough to cover the fielder's eyes. I don't see a shortstop wanting to field and ball and make a blind throw to first base.

I am sure slide-proof helmets could be designed for an infielder, but then it becomes a macho thing. No one wants to look like a woosie. I could see pitchers someday donning helmets, especially when aluminum bats are allowed.

It's a rule since 1971, offensive players must wear protective helmets and since 1988 the catcher must also.

hey have it on when they are hitting and they dont have aglove on to catch the ball!

Infielders are in a defensive mode so they can see what is coming at them. A baserunner has to turn their head away from the ball while running so they are exposed plus they already have to wear them while hitting. My guess is that you will see more and more teams make base coaches wear helmets in the future.

Short answer: the rules require it.

Long answer: The runners' job is to run the bases, not watch the ball. The fielders' job is to watch the ball. The same goes for base coaches and umpires.

you got all the reasons why base runners wear them
as far as coaches the first base coach for the Rockies does wear a helmet