In Major League Baseball (MLB), the risk of injury is a constant reality, especially for pitchers who face line drives and hard-hit balls coming right back at them. Among the most dangerous scenarios on the field are comebackers to the head, where a batted ball strikes the pitcher directly. These incidents not only make for harrowing moments but also underscore the inherent dangers of the game. Throughout MLB history, there have been several notorious examples of pitchers suffering severe injuries from these frightening occurrences.

One of the most infamous comebackers to the head occurred on May 2, 2011, when New York Yankees pitcher Rafael Soriano was struck by a line drive off the bat of the Detroit Tigers’ Brandon Inge. Soriano was hit on the right side of his head, and the impact left him visibly shaken. While Soriano was able to recover and continue his career, this incident was a stark reminder of the potential for serious injury that pitchers face on the mound.

Another notable case happened on September 7, 2019, when the San Diego Padres’ Chris Paddack was hit in the head by a line drive from the Colorado Rockies’ David Dahl. The ball struck Paddack with incredible force, causing him to collapse on the mound and leaving the game in a tense and unsettling moment for everyone in the stadium. Thankfully, Paddack was able to walk off the field under his own power, but the incident highlighted the dangers pitchers confront from powerful line drives.

A more tragic example is the case of the late New York Mets pitcher, Jim Corsi. In a 1990 game against the Atlanta Braves, Corsi was struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of Braves’ batter, and although he did not suffer a serious injury at the time, the incident was one of many that exemplified the risks pitchers face.

These moments are a harsh reminder of how quickly the game can turn from a routine play to a dangerous situation. They highlight the critical need for protective gear and the vigilance of pitchers and teams to manage the risks associated with high-speed baseballs.

Moreover, these comebackers to the head have prompted discussions about improved safety measures. In response, the MLB has made strides in protective equipment for pitchers, including the development of new types of padded helmets and face guards designed to reduce the risk of injury from such high-impact situations.

In summary, the worst comebackers to the head in MLB history serve as a sobering reminder of the perils that pitchers face and the ongoing efforts to enhance safety in the sport. These incidents underscore the fine line between the thrill of baseball and the potential for injury, and they continue to influence discussions about how best to protect players on the field.