Professor: Headfirst slide is actually safer

Seems to me it would be easier to figure out how many guys actually get hurt sliding each way.

Huh??? I don't get it :-)

What a pile of crap. If any, how much time could either one save?
I guess finding out the meaning of life got boring. The Math Nerds need something else to do

there's not professors in baseball..


NERD

Fix the headline. He did not say it was safer. He said it was faster which I believe at every base except first base.

Actually, he said it was faster in 2008, and safer in 2010 which means he's been wasting 2 frickin' years not contributing to society.

I slid head first one time in high school baseball and the third baseman stepped on my left thumb with his metal cleat. Still have a scar.

Dr. Dorkmeister forgot to figure in third basemen in his equations. What about sliding into 2nd head first or feet first and getting smoked by the throw from the catcher. If you slide head first then aren't you more likely to get smoked in the bean?

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 02:08 PM ET  03.09 by KonerkoFan

I slid head first one time in high school baseball and the third baseman stepped on my left thumb with his metal cleat. Still have a scar.

yup, been there. and that was the LAST time i slid head first.

iether way there is a injury risk,best thing to do is, practice as much you can do before you a decision on stealing bases!

While I agree with the scientific premise that the head-first slide may be quicker. I disagree that it would be safer, at least at lower age levels. Professional and college baserunners can reasonably trust that the catcher / fielder is going to make an on-target throw (i.e. NOT off the base runner's dome and or face), not so much the case for lower age levels.

In addition (as others have already posted) you run the risk of injuring your hands due to the fielder or the base itself. I think it's logical to assume that fingers are more easily broken than ankles / legs. Not to mention a head-first slide rules out popping up to take that extra base. Feet first kids!

QUOTE(#12):

Originally posted 07:08 PM ET  03.09 by alacran

iether way there is a injury risk,best thing to do is, practice as much you can do before you a decision on stealing bases!

Best way to avoid injury while sliding is to not play baseball at all.

QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 08:23 PM ET  03.09 by KonerkoFan

Best way to avoid injury while sliding is to not play baseball at all.

or just play video games but then you'll get carpal tunnel..and that will suck even more.

That is what SHE SAID!!

And as Tim Raines said if you slide headfirst you won't break that vial of coke in your back pocket

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 02:05 PM ET  03.09 by justsayin'

Actually, he said it was faster in 2008, and safer in 2010 which means he's been wasting 2 frickin' years not contributing to society.

Well he got on Fannation didn't he !!!

QUOTE(#17):

Originally posted 12:28 AM ET  03.10 by Swamp Dragon

And as Tim Raines said if you slide headfirst you won't break that vial of coke in your back pocket

right

Fascinating.