A new local ordinance mandating catcher’s masks is leading to mixed effectiveness, early studies show, as coronavirus cases are still spiking but citizens’ faces are protected from errant pitches and balls in the dirt.
New COVID-19 cases have remained steady since the catcher’s mask mandate went into place. However, there has been a massive drop off in injuries from foul tips, dropping 450% in the last three days alone. Researchers believe this will lead to a drop in concussions soon, even if the masks do absolutely nothing to help with COVID.
The ordinance has been confusing for citizens when there are pop ups, though, as many don’t know if they are allowed to remove the mask to make a catch.