Baseball PSA

Note: This week I was considering working on my next Warriors article (which is in progress), but then an event that kind of shook me up a little bit occurred, So I am going to take this time to write down my thoughts on the matter, and hopefully make a difference.

Those of you who watch the news, and are involved in any sort of media outlet have heard about the little girl who got drilled with a Todd Frazier foul ball, resulting in her getting rushed to the hospital to undergo some repairs and many other things.  The good news is that she is kind of ok.  The last I have heard is that she is in stable-ish condition.  For those of you who have followed this blog in the last couple of years know that I have been around Baseball for like my entire life.  In this article, I am sharing my thoughts on fan safety, along with a couple general rules of thumb that I feel would prevent injuries, and help people fully enjoy a day at the ballpark. In case you didn't hear about what happened here is a video clip of ESPN's call of the event as it unfolded:

Courtesy: ESPN and the person who posted this video

Let's dive into it right now:  I am all for fan safety, but where I differ from the general public is the idea that I do not think we should have a full-size net from home plate to the end of the dugout.  I feel like at least a 3/4 size net should be substantial for what is needed to keep people safe.   For example, in this situation, the liner of a foul ball went over the corner of the dugout, but it was low enough that it would have hit the net and dropped down to the ground, keeping the ball on the field.

Now onto the next part of this article, which is going to be a fan code of conduct which I hope would be helpful to those who are going to any games in the future.

Code 1 During Batting Practice

1. If there is no net: keep your head up, though there is a batting cage, a ball may be fouled off and head your direction. If you are down and tieing your shoe, and you hear movement a row or two behind you, stay down.  The same goes for seeing shadows moving around
2. When interacting with the players (because that occurs), be patient, the players will work their way down the line and sign whatever you have laid out.  When they get to you, engage in some small talk.
3. There is a general order that should occur when BP is going on in the outfield and the infield.  The order should be as follows
• <16 - Row 1
• Kids should have priority when it comes to toss-ups
• 16 - 30 - Row 2
• Should probably bring a glove, because in the middle area and beyond you will most likely be getting flyballs
• Greater than 30- Row 3

Code 2 During the Game

1. Pay attention because when the ball is in play, one can never really determine what will happen in the field of play
1. Please note: I am not blaming or accusing anyone of anything.  I am also trying not to sound insensitive either.  
2. If the ball or a bat goes out of play towards you (if you are older than the person or group behind you) either call heads up or knock it down to protect the younger fans that could be sitting behind you
3. If you have a glove, be ready for any ball that could be flying into the stands
4. God forbid someone gets hit by a ball or a bat in your row, check and see if they're ok.  If they are not, wave medical staff over ASAP. 

Code 3 Planning your trip to the ballpark

1. BRING A GLOVE! if you are sitting in an area where balls could end up. (I know everybody wants to be that guy or girl that makes that barehanded grab that they sometimes show on ESPN, but it's for your safety.)  Baseballs leave the bat at around 100 mph, so a grab may break your hand.
2. Decide wheather or not you are going to watch the game.  IF you don't think that you are going to be paying much attention to the game, get seats under an overhang, or on the upper levels
3. Same goes for families with small children. for your child's safety, sit under an overhang or on a upper level.  If you don't want to, be prepared to protect your kid at all costs if you see a batter hit a screamer in your direction

Code 4 General rules of thumb

1. If a ball goes into the stands, it's fair game for anyone in the section where the ball landed.  When someone has it in their hands, it's theirs. 
2. If you catch multiple balls in a game (For fans 16+ ), give it to a kid.  You could make their day, and maybe they will share the love.
3. Keep your head up if you are in an area not behind netting

Please take all these things that I have said into consideration.  I have been a fan of baseball my entire life and I have been around the game long enough to understand that Baseball is dangerous and though it's rare, do anything you can to prevent yourself or anyone from the experience of getting seriously hurt at a ballpark.  In conclusion, I do think that netting until the end of the dugout and camera well is a good idea, but just not a full-size netting.  For me, that would take away from the experience.

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- I will try to finish the next Warriors article by the end of next week

-Pack Mentality is also in Progress 

Stay tuned for more articles, and thank you for all of your support.