History has shown that uniform changes designed to improve player safety aren't generally met with enthusiasm by habit-bound athletes.
Whether that means transitioning from leather helmets to something sturdier in football or introducing helmets and later visors in hockey, tradition often trumps safety for years before the latter wins out.
The next great battleground might very well be in protective gear for pitchers, as Major League Baseball and its players' union ramp up their efforts to protect hurlers from line drives.
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According to an ESPN report Friday, 20 big-league pitchers will soon receive new protective headwear to test out during spring training.