Agree about safety for pitcher. However the mask rule is
not really addressing the total safety problem. More injuries are
sustained on the legs since at our age we don't react as well
on low hit balls. Rather than requiring masks and probably later
requiring shin guards and chest plate, why just go to the screen for
65 and above. This would give you almost total safety without having
to delay games while the pitcher dresses up in his hockey gear. Even
greater slow down of game when you switch pitchers during a game.
I have never seen the screen effect a game. Make a batted ball that hits
the screen a "dead ball" and continue with the count. Especially safe
for those 70 and above who pitch.