What safety equipment is generally required?

• A. Safety equipment includes only helmets for batters.
• B. Safety equipment is optional for players.
• C. Helmets for batters and base runners, catchers’ gear, and protective equipment as required.
• D. Only eyewear is required.

Answer: (C)

In baseball, protecting players from head and facial injuries is the priority, so safety gear generally covers three areas. First, helmets are worn by both batters and base runners to guard against pitched balls, throws, and collisions. Second, the catcher must wear full protective gear—mask (often with a throat guard), helmet, chest protector, and shin guards—to shield against pitches, foul tips, and contact at the plate. Third, additional protective equipment is used as required by the rules or league, which can include eyewear, mouthguards, or other mandated gear.

This combination is why the correct understanding is that helmets for batters and base runners, catchers’ gear, and any required protective equipment collectively meet the safety standard. The other options are incomplete or incorrect because they omit essential gear (only batters’ helmets), treat equipment as optional, or focus on a single item (eyewear) rather than the full, required set.