A cleat to the knees from a standing infielder should be an out/ejection of the sliding base runner. Metal cleats are a part of the game of baseball/softball and shouldn't be banned because coaches don't take the time to teach players how to properly and safely slide. Umpires should also maintain their responsibility of ensuring safe/proper sliding. We shouldn't punish the athletes but instead educate them while making sure umpires enforce proper/safe playing practices.
Apr 14, 2011 Rating
no way by: travel ball pitcher
I think metal cleats are a bad idea!
May 29, 2010 Rating
Metal cleats are good! by: Anonymous
The Metal in the cleats allows you to make quicker turns. There was a girl who normally wore metal cleats and had to wear rubber in a certain game. She was also a shortstop i believe and when she turned to get the ball she broke her ankle and they were able to prove that if she had been wearing metal cleats she would have been able to rotate her foot without breaking her ankle. With proper healing in her knee she should be able to get back to catching. She may need physical therapy or something of that nature but this is one of the rare cases of getting cleated. You are more likely to cleat yourself than get cleated.
Sep 12, 2009 Rating
NO TO METAL CLEATS !! by: Linda Bell
My daughter was just recently injured by metal cleats. She plays shortstop and was making a tag at second base when she was cleated on the left knee. She has 6 stitches under the ripped area to repair the muscle and 10 stitches on the outside. This injury was something that should never had happened. She has played for at least 10 years and has always worn the rubber cleats and she can steal, stop most balls hit her way, and outrun throws to first base. I personally feel the metal cleats should be banned and I will do whatever it takes to get them off the fields. My daughter loves softball and this could have, and might possibly end her time on the field. She is 16 years old and is only a sophomore in high school and we have 2 weeks to go to before the stitches are taken out and then see what she can do. She says she'll be back and I pray she is right. I am just afraid she will always have problems with the knee no matter how it heals. She is also a catcher, which is her favorite position, but I don't know if her knee will be able to support her in her stance. Lots of questions and no real answers at this time but we wouldn't have to be wondering about all of this if
the metal cleats hadn't come back last year.
Aug 25, 2009 Rating
They're fine!! by: Anonymous
Oh come on. I play shortstop so I cover second a lot. Getting hit in the leg is no different with metal cleats. I think its fine, let us get used to metal now so we're ready for college.
Feb 10, 2009 Rating
love them by: Anonymous
Our High School league and summer league allowed them beginning last year. My DD is also a catcher. She LOVES them. We live in a cold climate so we play in various field conditions (snow/rain/flood) She gets much more grip for her pop behind the plate and had no problems getting cleated with many slide plays at the plate. She really liked them for base running also.
I would recommend getting them early and practicing in them for a few weeks esp if you are an outfielder. The stick more in the long grass.
Oct 22, 2008 Rating
Don't like it at all! by: Anonymous
My daughter is a catcher also and I was not happy when they decided to allow metal cleats at the high school level as of last year. I am concerned that she'll end up hurt too.
Feb 18, 2008 Rating
metal cleats by: Cassie
As an old HS softball player who was allowed to wear metal cleats, I saw a lot of girls that got cleats to the face or someone slide up their leg when sliding into second or home. I am not sure what the advantage of metal is. The cleats are made so good now, that I just feel it is a safety issue. And as a Pediatric nurse, I would not want my daughter with any type of deep wound with all of the resistant forms of infection that are popping up now.
Dec 31, 2007 Rating
STEEL CLEATS by: Anonymous
I DO NOT WANT STEEL CLEATS, MY DAUGHTER IS ALSO A CATCHER. i BELIEVE THEIR WILL BE A LOT OF INJURIES DUE TO THIS NEW RULE CHANGE.
Dec 27, 2007 Rating
Metal cleats by: Pitcher Mom (Alabama)
I agree 100%---I do not want metal cleats in HS!
Dec 26, 2007 Rating
Metal cleats by: CroBears
No way. I for one, don't care to see scars on young ladys legs from metal cleats. As the father of a softball player, I say ban them.
Dec 22, 2007 Rating
No thanks! by: Anonymous
I'm with you! Keep them out of the high school and travel ball. If the girls make it to college, then they can worry about it there.
