Notice how women softball pitchers wear a scaled-down version of a catcher's mask? Good move!!! Some years ago, my daughter ..our best pitcher.. broke her nose doing a goofy batting practice drill put in place by her idiotic coach (who was also her dad). There was significant risk of dangerous bleeding if she got another knock on the schnozz. When I suggested letting her pitch in the state tournament while wearing a mask, it was viewed with dismay, wonder, or contempt by almost everyone, including league officials. She missed her spot in the rotation for the opening game. Fortunately, her backup* rose to the occasion, pitched beautifully, and we won the game. (We didn't win State that year, but we won it the next. )
I also remember when hockey players --including goalies-- played without mask or helmets (and you could smoke on airplanes, &c., &c. heheh)
* Her backup was a girl named Katie. I wish I could remember her last name because she was a great teammate. Fortunately, I had the rare good sense to praise her in front of the players and parents for stepping up in a great way.