To all the enthusiastic parents who are seasoned baseball fans and well-versed in the risks posed by line drives and broken bats, this message may not be for you. This is aimed at those parents, like myself, who anticipate a simple, enjoyable family outing at the ballpark without fully grasping the potential dangers involved.
Last spring, my perspective changed dramatically. My children had received complimentary tickets to a local minor league baseball game thanks to a reading initiative at their school. It was a lovely evening, with fireworks planned for after the game.
We were surrounded by my children’s classmates and their families. As the ninth inning approached, the excitement in the air was palpable, and many kids became restless. They began moving down to the front row, eager to get closer to the action, leaning against the concrete barrier separating them from the field. Judging by the absence of parents escorting their children back to their seats, I think we can all learn a valuable lesson here.
I was seated just a few rows behind the children when I suddenly heard my husband shout, “Heads up!” Before I could comprehend what was happening, a line drive struck me directly in the eye. The ball was traveling over 100 mph, and I had less than a second to react—there was virtually no time to respond. I was rushed to the trauma unit and spent three days in the hospital. The injury resulted in permanent blindness in my right eye.
Through my advocacy for fan safety, I’ve discovered that such incidents are alarmingly common, and the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. Before that fateful night, I believed that I would either catch a ball heading my way or dodge it easily. However, I learned that the brain doesn’t even have time to process what’s occurring in these situations, especially for children. Recently, a seven-year-old boy suffered a head injury at a college stadium in Missouri and is now in ICU with a long recovery ahead. We’ve also heard distressing stories about children who have been injured at various ballparks, including a toddler at Yankee Stadium last fall. Whether it’s a major league, minor league, college, or local game, the risks are the same.
Parents, I urge you to be cautious when attending baseball games. While ballparks often promote family-friendly experiences, they do little to safeguard fans against the hazards posed by line drives and broken bats. Baseball organizations have a poor track record of adequately informing the public about these risks. They are aware of the frequency of such incidents yet fail to take appropriate measures to protect us.
My injury occurred at a minor league venue where the proximity to the field increases the risk of line drives. When attending games with children, please choose seats behind protective netting. If you feel unsafe in your current location, do not hesitate to request a move. Additionally, do not assume that areas without netting—like those beyond the dugouts—are safe; I was seated beyond the dugouts, and many others have suffered significant injuries in similar sections.
I learned this lesson the hard way, and I feel compelled to warn others to prevent similar tragedies. If your local ballpark lacks netting that extends to the foul poles or, at the very least, to the far end of the dugouts, I strongly encourage you to reach out to them and inquire about their safety measures. Your well-being should be their utmost priority.
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In summary, attending a baseball game can be a delightful family experience, but it’s crucial to remain vigilant about safety. Be aware of your surroundings, opt for seating behind protective netting, and advocate for better safety measures at your local ballpark.