Major League Baseball (MLB) Base Coaches to Wear Helmets

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - Four months after MLN Sports senior editor Brian Ross became the first sports writer to call for mandatory helmets for base coaches in minor league baseball (See: "The Height of COOL", MAJOR BLOGS, 07.29.07) in the wake of the tragic line drive accident that killed Tulsa Drillers coach Mike Coolbaugh, Major League Baseball’s general managers decided today that, starting next season, all base coaches will be required to wear protective helmets.

Coolbaugh died after being struck with a line drive while coaching first base for the Drillers during a game in Little Rock.

Today’s decision was made for Major League coaches, but will also likely affect the coaches in Minor League Baseball. The exact type of helmet that will be worn is still to be determined.

Coolbaugh was survived by his pregnant wife Amanda and his two young sons, Jacob and Joseph. Last week, Amanda gave birth in San Antonio to their third child. The 8 pound 8 ounce girl was named Anne Michael Coolbaugh.

Donations are still being accepted to benefit the Coolbaugh family through the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund. Donations can be sent to SpiritBank at the address below. Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund c/o SpiritBank 1800 S. Baltimore Ave. Tulsa, OK 74119

The memorial illustration published by MLN is still available for sale at Amazon.com with 100% of MLN's profit going to the Coolbaugh Fund.