John Olerud, a former first baseman with an impressive baseball career, has a unique claim to fame that sets him apart from his peers. Despite winning a pair of World Series rings, being named to two All-Star teams, and earning three Gold Glove awards during his 16-year MLB career, Olerud is perhaps best known for something else entirely – wearing a batting helmet while playing first base.
Diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage during his time at Washington State after collapsing during a preseason workout in 1989, Olerud was advised to wear the helmet as a precaution upon returning to play. Despite being given the all-clear by doctors to remove the helmet, Olerud chose to continue wearing it, understanding the importance of protecting his head from potential injury.
“Early on in my career, people thought I was a batboy,” Olerud shared, chuckling at the memory. “But I felt like if it does provide some protection, it’s worth it.”
While some fans teased him for his choice to wear the helmet, Olerud remained unfazed. He even made it a part of his identity, taking his helmet with him for baseball card photos later in his career.
The reaction to Olerud’s helmet-wearing didn’t bother him, as he explained, “I didn’t think too much about it. It didn’t take too long to get used to. A little later in my career I would take my helmet with me for baseball card photos. It was a part of me.”
Olerud’s decision to prioritize safety over vanity serves as an important reminder to athletes, especially during a time of change in the NFL. For the first time, players are allowed to wear Guardian Caps in games after being required to use them during contact drills in practice last season. These specially designed closed cell foam protectors attach to a player’s helmet, reducing impact and redirecting force away from the head. Guardian Sports, the company behind the caps, claims they can reduce impact similarly to a soft wall around a NASCAR track.
Having been studied since 2011 and used on-field for over a decade, Guardian Caps are now being utilized in other sports like hockey and lacrosse, with many high schools mandating their use during practice. Olerud’s willingness to embrace protective gear for the sake of safety highlights the importance of taking preventative measures to safeguard against head injuries in sports.