As baseball season approaches, it’s essential for parents—especially those new to the game—to be aware of some hidden dangers lurking at the ballpark. This message is particularly aimed at families planning a fun outing, unaware of the potential hazards that can arise from enthusiastic plays on the field.
Last summer, my experience at a minor league baseball game turned into a life-altering event. My children had received complimentary tickets through a reading initiative at school, and we were excited for an evening filled with baseball and fireworks. Surrounded by my kids’ classmates and their families, the atmosphere was festive. However, as the game approached its final inning, the kids were restless. They migrated down to the front row, eager to get close to the action, leaning against the concrete barrier separating us from the field.
While I sat a few rows back, I suddenly heard my partner shout, “Heads up!” In a split second, a line drive came hurtling toward me at over 100 mph. I had no time to react before the ball struck me in the eye. Rushed to the trauma unit, I spent three days recovering. This incident has left me permanently blind in my right eye.
Through my advocacy for fan safety, I’ve learned that injuries like mine are tragically common. Many people mistakenly believe they can catch a flying ball or dodge it in time. Unfortunately, the reality is far more perilous, especially for children. Just recently, a seven-year-old boy was struck at a college game in Missouri, leaving him with severe injuries, and we’ve all heard about the toddler who sustained a serious injury at a major league game. The risks are present at all levels, be it major league, minor league, or local parks.
Parents, take heed when attending games. While stadiums offer numerous family-friendly promotions to encourage attendance, they often fall short in ensuring fan safety against line drives and broken bats. It’s disconcerting that baseball organizations don’t adequately warn the public about these hazards. They witness these incidents year after year but do little to protect us.
My injury occurred in a minor league park where the proximity to the field can amplify dangers. When attending games with children, always choose seats behind protective netting. If you feel unsafe in your current location, don’t hesitate to request a move. And remember, just because there’s no netting past the dugouts doesn’t mean it’s safe. I was seated beyond the dugouts when I was injured, and I’ve spoken to many others who’ve faced similar fates in that area.
I learned these lessons the hard way, but now I see it as my responsibility to warn others. If your local ballpark lacks netting that stretches to the foul poles or at least to the far end of the dugouts, please contact them to express your concerns. Your safety should be their top priority.
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In summary, attending a baseball game can be a delightful family outing, but it’s crucial to remain vigilant about safety. Protect yourself and your loved ones by sitting in designated safe areas and advocating for better safety measures at local parks.