There's a great future in plastics

What our oldest pastime relies on may surprise you.

When we think about all of the things that go into making baseball great, we typically think of leather gloves and wooden bats. The truth is, today plastics do the real work of keeping players prepared and safe. In fact, innovations in plastics have revolutionized sports safety and changed the way baseball is played. Because plastics are lightweight, flexible and affordable, they have become a cornerstone of the game.

Imagine a 95-mph Ryan Dempster fastball headed toward a catcher wearing no helmet or mask for protection. The first catcher's masks were made of steel mesh and animal skin. The first batting helmets, only padded leather. Luckily for today's players, helmets are now made from plastic made to withstand the impact of any fastball. Today's plastic cleats allow for safer traction, gloves are lined with polyurethane film for flexibility and quick-release bases with plastic foundations prevent countless ankle and knee injuries.

And when the game is over, as we gather all of our plastic cups and bottles, let's follow the lead of US Cellular Field. After the last out, kids are invited to bring plastic cups to home plate after the game in exchange for coupons to buy White Sox memorabilia. This is a great way to teach the next generation about the importance of recycling our valuable resources.

Maybe someday that plastic cup will be made into a helmet that will protect our children from a 60-mph fastball.

Steve Petrakis

West Dundee