It was expected that Giancarlo Stanton would don a new batting helmet in 2015. The new gear that the Marlins outfielder debuted on Thursday, however, was not what anybody expected.
Here's the specialized batting helmet @Giancarlo818 is scheduled to wear this season. MORE: http://t.co/OhM8nUAoKB pic.twitter.com/K68TlKdx9F
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) February 27, 2015Yeah, @Giancarlo818 – The faceguard plays. pic.twitter.com/cn3B4Cv9Xh
— MLB (@MLB) February 26, 2015Stanton's custom mask was designed and produced by Schutt, a football helmet manufacturer. It's made of a carbon fiber frame that can withstand 100-mph pitches and features a stylized "G" to reflect his name.
"I wasn't fond of that (old design) across my face the whole time,'' Stanton told ESPN. "It's just what I envisioned when thinking about it.''
On Sept. 11 last year, an 88-mph pitch from Brewers starter Mike Fiers nailed Stanton under his left eye, breaking multiple bones and teeth and sidelining him for the remainder of the season. The Marlins previously announced that he would wear a face mask attachment when he returned this spring.
"We basically took Giancarlo's idea and we just translated it into wire," Glenn Beckmann, director of marketing and communications for Schutt, told the Miami Herald. "Then we just started creating different shapes and configurations. We got the look and then he decided he wanted to add a little style to it, and he put his G on the front of it, and we’re like 'That’s rocking.'"
On Thursday, Stanton saw his first live pitches since taking one to the face last season. It remains unknown whether the helmet will be worn throughout the regular season or just during spring training.
"It was just like any other spring training," Stanton said. "I wanted to minimize any expectations on either side. I didn't think that I would have any thoughts about (the injury) and I didn't."
Stanton, 25, signed a 13-year, $325 million deal with Miami in November — the largest contract in the history of North American sports. Though he missed the final 17 games of last season, Stanton finished second in the National League MVP race after hitting 37 home runs and driving in a career-high 105 runs. He also reigns as the National League home run champion.