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Game 138: Tigers @ Cleveland Sep 2nd

I believe Avila has said before (and other catchers) that they like the old style because it can get knocked off, which absorbs some of the impact. Where as the hockey goalie style funnels it all into your head.

Often times the goalie-style mask disburses the shock around the head because it's not flat, so a lot of those balls would glance off this mask rather than stopping the ball, like a conventional mask does. And when the conventional mask doesn't get knocked off (like last night) all the residual impact is transferred to the catcher's head. There's still debate about which is more effective, but Avila has more than one been staggered by a foul ball this season, even with a heavier steel mask.
 
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