Woman struck by piece of bat at Fenway has 'life-threatening injuries'
Source: cnn.com
(CNN)A woman struck by a piece of a baseball bat at Boston's Fenway Park on Friday night suffered "life-threatening" injuries, Boston police spokesman David Estrada said.
The incident happened during the second inning of the Red Sox game against the Oakland Athletics when Athletics' third baseman Brett Lawrie was at bat.
The woman, who was sitting along the third base line, was taken from the stadium on a stretcher and taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/05/us/boston-fan-struck-by-bat/index.html
marym625
(17,997 posts)Not something you expect to happen when you go to a game
I hope she recovers fully
RKP5637
(67,101 posts)BlueJazz
(25,348 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)it used to be that only ash bats were allowed, now maple bats are popular. Maple is not as tough as ash.
Recursion
(56,582 posts)Once MLB realized fans do like the post-steroid-era defensive modern game. That also contributes to broken bats.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)but I really like a good pitcher's duel. I appreciate the strategy involved.
Nye Bevan
(25,406 posts)over a sock-em-over-the-fence home run slugfest, any day.
longship
(40,416 posts)As would I.
One has to have an awfully great catcher to protect against it. Maybe that is why the Tigers had such an incredible string of great catchers, going back in my memory to Dick Brown. Then, there was Bill Freehan who would catch a strike when an opponent would attempt to tag up at third base with Al Kaline in right field. The umpire would give the inevitable double-pumper. Yer Out!!! And Freehan had the ball in his glove... Thrown from the right field wall. Only Kaline could do that. He is legendary in Detroit.
And don't get me started about Detroit pitchers like Frank Lary (the Yankee killer who often hit when at bat), Hank Aguirre (who was likely the worst batting pitcher of all time but had a great fastball), and Don Mossi (arguably the ugliest guy to play the game -- nevertheless a very good pitcher).
Baseball is fucking wonderful.
My best regards.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)newfie11
(8,159 posts)He was a senior then and when he hit the ball it split in multiple pieces. Fortunately no one was hit by them.
I had no idea bats could split until then.
malthaussen
(17,183 posts)When was the last time you saw a 40-ounce bat?
Mal
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)the guys are bigger and stronger than ever, but the bats have gotten lighter. Sometimes I think MLB should switch to aluminum, but the "crack of the bat" just doesn't sound as cool as "the ping of the bat".
Travis_0004
(5,417 posts)Sure Aluminum bats should never break unless there is a significant manufacturing defect, but the ball travels significantly faster off the bat. Its more dangerous for pitchers, fielders, and people in the stands.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)iandhr
(6,852 posts)Because it allows them to have a faster swing
Travis_0004
(5,417 posts)A big heavy bat packs a punch, but it is tough to have the bat speed required for todays pitching.
Walter Johnson (played 1907-1927) could throw a 90mph fastball, and he was considered the best in the league.
This was 90mph in a lab, probably throwing 10 pitches.
In reality, baseball pitchers threw much longer back then as well. In one year he started 37 games. 36 times that year he threw a complete game (yes I took one great year from his career, but complete games were more common back then. Nobody will ever throw 36 complete games ever again.
If he could hit 90mph in lab conditions, I would guess most pitches were in the low 80's or high 70mph, and he was the best fastball pitcher of his time.
Compare that to today, where most baseball pitchers can easily hit 90mph at least a few times an inning, and a few will throw 100mph+ pitches. A 40oz bat is just to slow.
TexasBushwhacker
(20,159 posts)"The scientists found that the more the cut of the wood strayed from the original grain, the more likely the bat was to shatter, The New York Times reports."
eppur_se_muova
(36,256 posts)It seems MLB is aware of the problem, but still collecting data.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)ash is getting harder to come by. I wish I had known that 10 years ago when I got rid of mine- it was a good 60 foot tall and almost that much spread. I hated to take it out, but one main branch went over my neighbors house and one over mine (the third went into the yard). Every time we had a big storm (all the time in Texas) I worried.
malthaussen
(17,183 posts)... lost a lot of their seasoned wood. Had another fire last year. And the Northern Ash has a problem with the Emerald Ash Borer.
Aluminum bats have taught players new batting styles that carry over to the pros, but probably contribute to breakage.
-- Mal
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)is that correct?
malthaussen
(17,183 posts)College, Little League, other baseball leagues... players growing up learn to hit with aluminum bats, and the lessons they learn carry over to the wooden bats in the pros. This is one of several reasons homerun stats were inflated for so long.
-- Mal
eppur_se_muova
(36,256 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)Travis_0004
(5,417 posts)Out of all the ash harvested under 1% is used for bats.
Even if raw materials when up 10 fold for ash (it didnt), players would demand it if it worked the best.
If ash was harder to come by maybe it would affect minor league players but not major league. They will buy the best equipment available regardless of price (plus they dont even buy it)
Response to Cooley Hurd (Original post)
Recursion This message was self-deleted by its author.
Rhiannon12866
(205,022 posts)Not something you expect when you go to a baseball game...
Frank Cannon
(7,570 posts)hit a foul ball that went into the stands and broke the nose of the wife of the Philadelphia paper's sports editor. As she was being carried off in a stretcher, his next foul ball veered off and clobbered her again.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/10/AR2007081001606.html
Rhiannon12866
(205,022 posts)How bizarre! If that was a movie, nobody would believe it!
Thor_MN
(11,843 posts)Just saying...
Rhiannon12866
(205,022 posts)Thor_MN
(11,843 posts)If one reads the entire ticket, one would reconsider attending. Personally, I've never had had lower deck tickets inside the baselines. I can't remember even a foul ball within even a half section of where I was sitting.
But if I had tickets better than any I've had, I would try to pay attention to every swing and be ready. I'd probably bring a glove, if only for defense...
Rhiannon12866
(205,022 posts)There was a pretty tall fence, but it was also a minor league game, so I guess I should have been even more concerned. I found a foul ball in the parking lot. I was standing there when it landed...
Retrograde
(10,132 posts)I've seen them go into the upper level of the Oakland Collisseum. There's a lot of force behind that littlle sphere!
I've also seen bats break, but luckily all the part stayed on the field those times.
The language on the back of ski lift tickets is pretty ominous too.
JeffHead
(1,186 posts)This is from the White Sox but im sure it's pretty standard across the league.
Sox Pride Club Ticket Disclaimer
The holder is admitted on condition, and by use of this ticket agrees that: (a) the holder shall not transmit or aid in transmitting any information about the game for which this ticket grants admission (the "Game" , including, but not limited to, any account, description, picture, video, audio, reproduction or other information concerning the Game (including pre and post Game activities) (the "Game Information" , (b) Chicago White Sox, Ltd. ("CWS" or MLB is the exclusive owner of all copyrights and other proprietary rights to the Game and Game Information, and (c) the holder grants unrestricted right and license to use the holder's name, likeness and voice in any broadcast, telecast, photograph taken, or other transmission or reproduction in connection with the Game to CWS, the visiting baseball club ("Visitor" , entities affiliated with Major League Baseball ("MLB" , and their respective agents for any purpose.
This ticket may not be used for advertising, promotion (including contests and sweepstakes) or other trade purposes without the express written consent of Chicago White Sox. This ticket must not be resold or offered for resale in a manner without the prior written consent (www.whitesox.com) or in a manner or at a price in violation of any federal, state or local law or regulation.
This ticket is a revocable license, and the license granted herein may be terminated upon breach of: (a) the preceding or (b) the U.S. Cellular Field rules and regulations, and may also be terminated by tendering the face value of this ticket to the holder.
WARNING
The holder assumes all risk and danger incidental to the Game, whether occurring prior to, during or subsequent to the actual playing of the Game, including specifically (but not exclusively), the danger of being injured by thrown bats and thrown or batted balls, and agrees that CWS, Visitor, MLB, Illinois Sport Facilities Authority, their respective owners, shareholders, partners, agents, players, officers, directors, contractors and employees are not liable for injuries resulting from such causes.
CANCELLATION
In the event that a regulation game is not played (A "Cancelled Game" and is rescheduled on a date that did not have a previously scheduled game or is rescheduled to become a part of a split double header, this ticket may only be used for admittance into such rescheduled game. In the event a Cancelled Game is not so rescheduled, this coupon becomes a gift certificate that may be exchanged at any time in the future at the U.S. Cellular Field Box Office or by mail (333 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616) for an individual ticket of equal or lesser face value for a future regular championship season game (subject to prior sales). In no instance shall this ticket be exchangeable for a ticket with a face value greater than the face value of this ticket. NO CASH REFUND OR CREDIT WILL BE ISSUED AND TICKET MAY NOT BE APPLIED TO ANY ACCOUNT BALANCE. This policy may be amended at anytime without notice.
passiveporcupine
(8,175 posts)I sure hope it's not as bad as it sounds. This brings up bad memories.
My first time ever playing softball, in church camp, as a kid, I was sent up to bat, and I had no idea what I was doing. I somehow managed to hit one of the balls, and then I threw the bat and took off running...and the bat hit one of my friends in the throat, choking her from the impact. I mean she was in pain, and her face turned bright red from choking and it was scary. I still feel guilty about it to this day.
She recovered, thankfully, but I never tried to play baseball again until I was an adult. It's not something you should do without a little training or a good coach on hand. I guess they never realized some kids don't grow up with family or neighborhood kids that teach them sports.
TheCowsCameHome
(40,168 posts)Baseball bats have been shattering like match sticks in recent years. They must be using different type or grade of wood. One exploded the night before at a Red Sox game - pieces flew in all directions.
MLB knows there's a problem, and yet they turn a blind eye.
I hope the woman recovers fully, and sues the ass off of MLB.
iandhr
(6,852 posts)Before every MLB game there is a announcement "hard hit baseballs and bats may be hit into the stands. Stay alert at all times." They then say to contact someone who works at the stadium of you are concerned with the location of seat. If they warn you in advance of the risk i think that covers the liability issue. Kind of like putting caution contents are very hot on a coffee cup
RichVRichV
(885 posts)If a lawyer could prove that MLB knew there are issues with the bats they're using and chose not to do anything about it then there's no contract or announcement that can protect them from the damages of it. A tall order to prove it, but not impossible.
If MLB is smart they'll just offer to pay the medical bills and leave it at that. It's worth the cost for their image if nothing else. That's why every public event carries insurance, to cover freak accidents.
TheCowsCameHome
(40,168 posts)a big money player getting speared (or worse)before MLB will look into the problem with the bats.
I'm not a huge baseball fan, but just about evey game I've seen on TV in the last couple of season has at least one bat exploding.
They have a big problem and they're whistling past the graveyard.
Gormy Cuss
(30,884 posts)and they no longer think the injuries are life-threatening.
malthaussen
(17,183 posts)Hope the players do something nice for her.
-- Mal
Cooley Hurd
(26,877 posts)The Second Stone
(2,900 posts)But in the mean time, we are lucky it didn't happen to a Dodger fan, because they bleed Dodger blue. Many Cubs fans have died of disappointment over the years waiting for victory.