Chicago Cubs: Major League Baseball asking teams to improve safety nets

In the attempt to prevent any more serious injuries, Major League Baseball has asked clubs including the Chicago Cubs to make certain changes to their safety nets behind home plate and around the dugout area.

All I have to say about this is it’s about time. Yes, I’m well aware that fans, no matter where they may be seated, are always in danger when attending a baseball game even if it isn’t at the professional level.

There have been hundreds of fans either hit by a foul ball or worse, a baseball bat that slipped through a players grip. This happened several times at Wrigley Field last year.

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Rookie infielder Addison Russell had his own bat get away from him which struck a woman in the shoulder. Thankfully, she wasn’t hurt or phased and even received some stuff from the team after the game was over.

Another incident that occurred involved recently traded Starlin Castro in a game against the Pirates at PNC Park. Castro fouled a pitch behind home plate, striking a woman in the head, resulting in the game being delayed for nearly a half hour in order for the medics to get her on a stretcher and to the hospital.

Skipper Joe Maddon spoke out on this topic, suggesting that fans wait to talk and move around until both teams on the field are in between plays so they are aware of what’s going on.

This is something that the league would like to see from every team. Putting up specific signs, warning them about foul balls, baseball bats, and other flying objects that could come their way.

Unless you’re in the outfield, then you should probably bring a glove and try to catch yourself a home run ball. I highly doubt a bat is going to make its way into the outfield bleachers. I have, however, witnessed several fans miss with their glove and either taking one to the chest or face which is just as painful.

Now according to NBC Sports, the league issued specific instructions on where and how to improve this situation. And as noted in the article, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays.

Commissioner Rob Manfred and members of his office will assist each franchise and other ticket retailers regarding details of specific seats that may or may not be placed behind the safety nets.

Aside from that, team’s will have the choice to either include additional netting or other protective material.