Baseball, often referred to as America’s favorite pastime, attracts millions of fans each year. In 2017, over 72 million attendees enjoyed Major League Baseball games, not including the numerous minor league events across the nation. While fans relish the thrill of the game, few anticipate the potential for severe injury, which, unfortunately, is not uncommon.
In August, an incident at a game highlighted this risk when a woman was seen leaving with an ice pack on her face after being struck by a foul ball. Last season, a toddler at Yankee Stadium suffered a similar fate. Tragically, a mother named Lisa Thompson lost her eyesight due to a foul ball accident during a minor league game.
“I was seated just a few rows behind the children when I heard my partner shout, ‘Heads up!’ Before I could react, a line drive struck my eye,” Thompson recounted. “The ball was traveling over 100 mph, leaving me with less than a second to respond. I was rushed to the trauma unit and spent three days hospitalized. This injury has permanently blinded me in my right eye.”
Despite efforts to enhance safety measures, many believe that stadiums have not gone far enough. Thompson noted, “While all MLB teams have extended netting to the ends of the dugouts, this is inadequate. Many fans, including myself, were beyond the dugouts when we were injured. The netting should extend further down the baselines.”
The Legal Landscape
The legal landscape regarding fan injuries is complicated. The “baseball rule” limits the responsibility of teams to protect fans from foul ball incidents. Courts generally uphold that teams must provide protective netting only in designated “danger zones,” which often excludes areas beyond the dugouts. Fans sitting outside these areas are considered to have assumed the inherent risks associated with attending games.
However, Thompson argues that teams should take additional measures for fan safety. “Major League Baseball is aware that dodging a high-speed line drive is nearly impossible, yet they place the onus on fans to protect themselves,” she stated. “These injuries could be prevented, and they are aware of this.”
Proactive Steps for Safety
Some organizations are taking proactive steps to minimize risks. For instance, the Dayton Dragons, a minor league team in Ohio, have implemented netting that secures the safety of all their fans. Thompson expressed hope that more teams would follow suit. “It is astonishing that this simple, cost-effective measure isn’t mandated across MLB and Minor League Baseball, especially when fan safety is claimed to be their top priority.”
Furthermore, there is a growing recognition of the need to accommodate fans with special requirements. Recently, both MLB and Minor League Baseball announced initiatives to make stadiums sensory inclusive. Fans with sensory sensitivities can access sensory bags containing weighted lap pads, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones.
While Thompson acknowledges the potential benefits of sensory-inclusive environments, she remains concerned about how these tools may distract from potential hazards. “If someone is using fidget tools or wearing noise-canceling headphones, their focus may not be on the game. How can you warn someone of an approaching line drive?” She was dismayed to learn that her local MLB stadium offered no specific seating arrangements for fans utilizing sensory bags, suggesting instead that they should be seated behind protective netting or in upper-level areas.
Advocacy for Change
Since her accident, Thompson has refrained from attending baseball games, choosing instead to advocate for essential changes to ballpark safety protocols. “I can’t fathom returning to a stadium after experiencing such physical and emotional trauma,” she said. “I refuse to support businesses that neglect their customers. The organization where I was injured has never reached out to me. My life has been irrevocably altered, while for them, it seems as if nothing ever happened.”
For those who decide to attend baseball games, Thompson offers critical advice: “Do not assume that areas without protective netting are safe from line drives. If you feel unsafe in your seat, request a change. Until teams prioritize fan safety, it’s up to you to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
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Conclusion
In summary, the risks associated with attending baseball games are real and can have life-altering consequences. Increased safety measures, such as extended netting and consideration for fans with sensory needs, are essential. It is crucial for attendees to remain vigilant about their surroundings and advocate for their safety.