NewsWright back to wearing old helmet
Makes switch after feeling uncomfortable in new S100 model
By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com
09/04/09 1:08 AM ET
Mets third baseman David Wright ditched his new Rawlings S100 helmet in favor of his old helmet on Thursday, saying the new model was "uncomfortable."Wright, who was hit in the head with a fastball by San Francisco's Matt Cain on Aug. 15 and suffered a concussion that forced him on the 15-day disabled list, used the new helmet for two games before going back to his normal helmet.
"It's just not comfortable," Wright told reporters in Denver after the Mets' 8-3 win over the Rockies. "It's the last thing I need to be worrying about in the box is trying to shove it on my head. So I wanted to go back to the old one and just wait to see if there's going to be any adjustments made."
The new helmet, which will be required by Minor Leaguers next season, can withstand 100-mph fastballs, according to Rawlings, hence its S100 name.
But the helmet is oversized compared to older models and has been used by just Wright and Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster this season.
With his old helmet, Wright went 3-for-4 with a sacrifice fly and three RBIs.
Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
