Baseball is often referred to as America’s favorite pastime, with over 72 million fans flocking to major league games in 2017 alone, not to mention the countless minor league games across the nation. However, while fans enjoy their snacks and cheer for their teams, many do not consider the potential dangers lurking at the ballpark. Injuries to spectators are unfortunately common. Just last August, I witnessed a woman leave the game with an ice pack on her face after being struck by a foul ball. A toddler suffered a similar fate at Yankee Stadium, highlighting a serious issue.
One particularly harrowing tale comes from a mother named Sarah Hughes, who tragically lost her eyesight during a minor league game. “I was sitting just a few rows behind the kids when I heard my husband shout, ‘Heads up!’ Suddenly, I was hit directly in the eye by a line drive,” she recounted. “The ball was traveling over 100 mph. I barely had a second to react. I was rushed to the trauma unit and didn’t return home for three days. Now, I am permanently blind in my right eye.”
Although many stadiums have implemented measures to enhance safety, some believe these steps fall short. “While all MLB teams and several minor league parks have extended netting to the ends of the dugouts, that’s not sufficient,” Hughes expressed. “I was seated beyond the dugouts, as were many who suffered serious injuries. The netting needs to be extended further down the baselines.”
Sadly, if injuries occur, legal options for fans are limited. The so-called “baseball rule” imposes minimal responsibilities on teams to safeguard fans from foul ball incidents. Typically, courts maintain that teams are only required to provide protective netting in designated “danger zones.” Fans seated outside these areas, such as along the first and third base lines, are considered to have accepted the risks associated with foul balls.
Despite teams not being legally required to extend netting, Hughes argues they should. “MLB is aware that it’s nearly impossible to react to a high-speed line drive, yet they leave it up to fans to protect themselves,” she stated. “These injuries are preventable, and they are aware of that.”
Conversely, some organizations have gone above and beyond to reduce risks. “The Dayton Dragons, a team in Ohio, have installed netting that protects all fans in the ballpark, which is commendable,” Hughes noted. “While a few major league teams have expanded netting beyond the dugouts, many others will likely only follow suit after public pressure. It’s astounding that this simple and cost-effective solution hasn’t been mandated across both MLB and MiLB; after all, they claim fan safety is their top priority.”
Additionally, ballparks are beginning to accommodate fans with special needs. MLB and MiLB have recently joined initiatives to make ballparks sensory inclusive. Fans with sensory sensitivities can access sensory bags containing weighted lap pads, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones.
While Hughes acknowledges the value of sensory-inclusive environments, she expresses concern about their potential drawbacks regarding safety. “Here’s the issue: if you’re using fidget tools, your attention might be diverted from the game. If you’re wearing noise-canceling headphones, your awareness of your surroundings diminishes. If a line drive is heading toward your child or family member, how will they hear your warning?”
She was disheartened when she contacted her local MLB venue and was told she could choose any seat while using a sensory bag. She recommends that fans with special needs be offered seating behind the protective netting or in upper levels.
Though Hughes no longer attends baseball games, she is dedicated to advocating for changes to ensure the safety of others. “I can’t imagine being in a ballpark after the trauma I’ve experienced,” she shared. “I refuse to support businesses that neglect their customers. The organization where I was injured hasn’t reached out to me at all. My life has been completely turned upside down, but for them, it’s as if it never happened.”
For those planning to attend baseball games, Hughes has an important warning: “Never assume that just because there’s no protective netting past the dugouts, it’s safe from line drives. It’s equally dangerous. If you don’t feel secure in your seating, request to be moved. Until these organizations prioritize fan safety, it will be up to you to safeguard yourself and your family.”
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In summary, the risks associated with attending baseball games are real and significant. Fans must remain vigilant in safeguarding themselves and their loved ones, especially given the limited protective measures currently in place at many stadiums.
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