Yankees incident proves it’s time to extend netting in all MLB stadiums

Major League Baseball has long delayed instituting a league-wide rule for netting to cover the foul lines at its ballparks. On Wednesday, a young Yankees fan was struck in the face by a violent 105-mph foul ball.

Ever watch a Yankees game, when a wicked line drive is sent back to the screen, only to witness the fans sitting in the first few rows involuntarily duck for cover?

After a moment, the nervous parties usually chuckle out of fear for what could have happened had the protective netting not been in front of them.

There’s a reason why public address announcers make intermittent reminders during a game for fans to be aware of potentially dangerous bats and balls entering the stands.

It’s one thing for a professional athlete, armed with a glove and extreme agility to catch a screaming line drive. But it’s something entirely different for fans, keeping an eye on the game or not, to risk life and limb because MLB doesn’t want to ruin the sanctity of the sport.

I understand that watching baseball behind a crisscrossed mesh netting isn’t the most appealing way to take in the National Pastime, but fan safety should trump all detractors.

A few season’s ago, netting was added in front of all minor league dugouts. What, fans don’t deserve the same level of safety?

Following the events that unfolded at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, Commissioner Rob Manfred can no longer leave the decision on the length of netting to each individual team.

The Yankees’ netting only extends between the home plate sides of the dugouts. However, Citi Field, Atlanta, Houston, Kansas City, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Texas and Washington have already extended their netting following a 2016 memo “encouraging” all teams to do so.

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Luckily, the young girl who was struck in the face looks to have avoided serious injury for the time being, although as her father told a batch of reporters outside Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center late Wednesday night, surgery remains a possibility.

As for Todd Frazier, the man responsible for fouling the ball off down the third base line — he was emotionally distraught as he watched stadium personnel tend to the little girl.

Postgame, Frazier spoke to NJ Advance Media about the awful occurrence.

"“It was terrible. I was shaken up. I don’t know what happened. I just hope she’s alright. It’s tough to watch. It’s tough to be a part of, honestly.”“At third base, I watch every foul ball that’s hit very hard. Some of them don’t hit anybody. It’s just really unlucky. It’s tough. I thought of my kids. I have two kids under 3 years old. I just hope she’s alright.”"

Twins second baseman, Brian Dozier, who stood next to Matt Holliday in the bottom of the 5th inning, both with tears in their eyes, sent a resounding message loud and clear through ESPN.

Next: Eric Hosmer to the Bronx?

"“Either, one, you don’t bring kids down there, or No. 2, every stadium needs to have nets,” Dozier said. “That’s it. I don’t care about the damn view of a fan or what. It’s all about safety.“I still have a knot in my stomach. … I hope the kid’s OK. We need nets, or don’t put kids down there.”"