Safety First

[Jr.]

Re: Safety First

I just don't see a reason to do it. We've gone this far and it's been fine.

We have very different definitions of "fine"

[Blzer]

Re: Safety First

Seeing how people who sit behind home are fine with that view,I'd think fans behind dugout would be fine too. It'd take adjusting,but people will get use to it. Would be harder for older fans,but over time it'd naturally be adjusted to. In 10-20 years from now,i dont think people would be complaining about that at all. Even 5 years after its installed dont think so many will complain

The seats better be less expensive, then.

And behind home plate is different. I can't explain why, it just is. Besides proximity, foul tips are caused by heavy top-spin, and are assuredly as fast as the pitch that was thrown, if not faster. It just doesn't work the same.

I'm not saying fans should be able to react to every batted ball behind the dugout, but like I say the same thing for base coaches as well. Frankly, I'm amazed that a base coach was killed even if you're Lasorda's age, because IMO that only happens if you're just not looking. Even if that coach is 75 feet away, he must be looking at the second base bag when that ball hits him because we just have that kind of reaction time.

The stands without netting for the most part satisfy at least two of three conditions: 1) line drives are hit there very rarely on occasion; 2) the exit velocity won't match that of a comebacker to the pitcher; 3) its distance is farther than that of a base coach's standpoint.

And if fans are to have a net in front of them, then the dugouts should have full protection as well. You can't address the safety of fans without addressing the players who are even closer to the action.

My points won't be valid for somebody who is trying to advocate for more safety, but as a fan of those seats, I prefer the openness of the sides as opposed to right behind the dugout with the netting.

I just don't see a reason to do it. We've gone this far and it's been fine.

Be careful, someone will whip out a "no batting helmet in the 1920s" argument, or something of that nature.

[Jr.]

Re: Safety First

The seats better be less expensive, then.

And behind home plate is different. I can't explain why, it just is. Besides proximity, foul tips are caused by heavy top-spin, and are assuredly as fast as the pitch that was thrown, if not faster. It just doesn't work the same.

I'm not saying fans should be able to react to every batted ball behind the dugout, but like I say the same thing for base coaches as well. Frankly, I'm amazed that a base coach was killed even if you're Lasorda's age, because IMO that only happens if you're just not looking. Even if that coach is 75 feet away, he must be looking at the second base bag when that ball hits him because we just have that kind of reaction time.

The stands without netting for the most part satisfy at least two of three conditions: 1) line drives are hit there very rarely on occasion; 2) the exit velocity won't match that of a comebacker to the pitcher; 3) its distance is farther than that of a base coach's standpoint.

And if fans are to have a net in front of them, then the dugouts should have full protection as well. You can't address the safety of fans without addressing the players who are even closer to the action.

My points won't be valid for somebody who is trying to advocate for more safety, but as a fan of those seats, I prefer the openness of the sides as opposed to right behind the dugout with the netting.



Be careful, someone will whip out a "no batting helmet in the 1920s" argument, or something of that nature.

There is netting (the short fence that most guys sit behind while watching) in front of the dugouts at almost all stadiums. I think Oakland is the only one without it because the dugout is so far away.

Coors Field

Spoiler

Wrigley Field

Spoiler

Fenway Park

Spoiler

[Blzer]

Re: Safety First

There is netting (the short fence that most guys sit behind while watching) in front of the dugouts at almost all stadiums. I think Oakland is the only one without it because the dugout is so far away.

Coors Field

Spoiler

Wrigley Field

Spoiler

Fenway Park

Spoiler

Yes, but my point was when they stand up, they are exposed (and much closer). And much like fans, if they wish to duck and cover and are quick enough to do so, they have the ability to.

See, the thing about the lower deck stands is the angle of inflection isn't that high, so while people every so often complain about the dude wearing the funny hat in front of you, you might thank them when a line drive foul ball is coming your way and you're looking for a shield. Fans in the first row are exposed, but I'd be damned if I had a netting in front of me when I have a view and amounts of interactivity like that.

[Chip Douglass]

Re: Safety First

At what point do we start to blame the fan for being stupid/ not paying attention vs increasing safety procedures. I honestly wouldn't change anything.

If a screaming, 105+ MPH line drive is hit right at someone sitting behind the dugout, yeah, I'm not sure that's a "not paying attention" thing. Casual fans sitting there might not realize they're in foul ball alley, either.

Extending the netting to the dugout is a worthwhile trade-off IMO. I just hope a fan getting killed sitting in that area doesn't spark that change.

[dickey1331]

Safety First

If a screaming, 105+ MPH line drive is hit right at someone sitting behind the dugout, yeah, I'm not sure that's a "not paying attention" thing. Casual fans sitting there might not realize they're in foul ball alley, either.

Extending the netting to the dugout is a worthwhile trade-off IMO. I just hope a fan getting killed sitting in that area doesn't spark that change.

You'd have to hit the ball damn near perfect for the ball to be going 105+ into the stands. It would be roughly equal to a 400 ft home run.

[Majingir]

Re: Safety First

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...50-fans-a-year

About 1,750 spectators get hurt each year by batted balls, mostly fouls, at major-league games, or at least twice every three games, a first-of-its-kind analysis by Bloomberg News has found.

So it's not like it just happens every now and then. I'm sure most of them aren't even reported/seen on TV. But just cause not every one of those injuries lead to someone getting busted open, doesn't mean they aren't bad either.

And it's not just for the safety of people who might get hit, but even those around them too. Imagine how traumatizing it'd be for someone(especially family/friends of that person,or just little kids in the area) who sees someone getting busted open by a foul ball. It's the most extreme situation, but look at what happened during that Yankees game, people were crying after it happened cause of how horrible it was. Players shaken up after it too(and some of them had younger family members in there who saw that moment up close)

You'd have to hit the ball damn near perfect for the ball to be going 105+ into the stands. It would be roughly equal to a 400 ft home run.

Average speed I think is something more like 90mph off the bat, but some guys have maxed out around 115-120mph(which are likely the home run swings)

[dickey1331]

Re: Safety First

I mean if you don't want to get hit by a foul ball then you shouldn't sit there. People are still going to get injured by extending the nets. What about people falling from the 2nd or 3rd deck? What about players jumping in the stands to catch a ball? At what point do we stop?

The nets just mask the problem but it doesn't solve it.

[Majingir]

Re: Safety First

I mean if you don't want to get hit by a foul ball then you shouldn't sit there. People are still going to get injured by extending the nets. What about people falling from the 2nd or 3rd deck? What about players jumping in the stands to catch a ball? At what point do we stop?

The nets just mask the problem but it doesn't solve it.

People aren't saying it'll 100% fix the problem, but if it helps, then why not? If it'd save at least 1 fan a week from getting hit, then I'd call that a win.

Sure,if you don't want to get hit by a foul ball,don't sit there, but even those who know what they're potentially getting themselves into by sitting there, still get hurt. Look how many times people who even bring gloves to games, flat out miss a simple pop fly in the stands. Just cause you might be expecting it, doesn't mean you'll catch it.

2nd/3rd deck stuff could be helped if they have a mini net extension below each deck. It won't block a single fans view(unless you'd be stretched over your railing,looking at random fans sitting in the deck below you) and it would prevent an accident like that from happening. That one though like I said,most of those people who do fall,seemed to have been drinking prior to that. So it's not really like a fan just fell over randomly. But even then,if the net saves even 1 accident/life, it's worth it.

[dickey1331]

Re: Safety First

People aren't saying it'll 100% fix the problem, but if it helps, then why not? If it'd save at least 1 fan a week from getting hit, then I'd call that a win.

Sure,if you don't want to get hit by a foul ball,don't sit there, but even those who know what they're potentially getting themselves into by sitting there, still get hurt. Look how many times people who even bring gloves to games, flat out miss a simple pop fly in the stands. Just cause you might be expecting it, doesn't mean you'll catch it.

2nd/3rd deck stuff could be helped if they have a mini net extension below each deck. It won't block a single fans view(unless you'd be stretched over your railing,looking at random fans sitting in the deck below you) and it would prevent an accident like that from happening. That one though like I said,most of those people who do fall,seemed to have been drinking prior to that. So it's not really like a fan just fell over randomly. But even then,if the net saves even 1 accident/life, it's worth it.

I just don't like things blocking views. I like the idea of the net under the decks. That's a lot better than raising the railings.

[Blzer]

Re: Safety First

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...50-fans-a-year

Average speed I think is something more like 90mph off the bat, but some guys have maxed out around 115-120mph(which are likely the home run swings)

I don't think that's physically going to happen with that kind of angle off contact.

[ComfortablyLomb]

Re: Safety First

The most expensive seats are already behind nets. Behind the plate is most expensive. Dugout seats cost same price.

Seeing how people who sit behind home are fine with that view,I'd think fans behind dugout would be fine too. It'd take adjusting,but people will get use to it. Would be harder for older fans,but over time it'd naturally be adjusted to. In 10-20 years from now,i dont think people would be complaining about that at all. Even 5 years after its installed dont think so many will complain

Are they fine with it? I've been behind the plate before and the nets are horrible. You NEED them there because pitches fouled back would produce a ton of injuries--there is next to no reaction time--but watching through the nets isn't exactly a pleasant experience. That's obviously a subjective opinion but I don't think anyone can unequivocally state the nets are fine. They're a necessary evil where they are now.

I regularly sit four rows off the field just past first base at Fenway and I want no part of nets in front of me. It's totally a kill zone when LHH are at the plate but you need to be watching the game if you sit there. Getting trashed, paying attention to your kids, fiddling with your phone, etc. are not things you should ever be doing in those seats.

[redsox4evur]

Re: Safety First

Are they fine with it? I've been behind the plate before and the nets are horrible. You NEED them there because pitches fouled back would produce a ton of injuries--there is next to no reaction time--but watching through the nets isn't exactly a pleasant experience. That's obviously a subjective opinion but I don't think anyone can unequivocally state the nets are fine. They're a necessary evil where they are now.

I regularly sit four rows off the field just past first base at Fenway and I want no part of nets in front of me. It's totally a kill zone when LHH are at the plate but you need to be watching the game if you sit there. Getting trashed, paying attention to your kids, fiddling with your phone, etc. are not things you should ever be doing in those seats.

Would I complain if they put up nets? Sure, and you're right, I would stop soon after. But that would be because I would get rid of the tickets and just go to the games less often. Twenty years I've been sitting there and between the cost of beer, how much of a pain it is to drive into the city for games, and the insufferable music that blares over the sound system... well, the nets would just be the final straw.

Why you gotta be hating on Sweet Caroline? C'Mon Man!!!

But yea I completely agree with you. A couple of years ago, I went to a Futures at Fenway game because my former baseball coach took our team. My buddies and I moved around the Park all game and we went like 2 or 3 rows up from behind home plate and you're the view sucked. The nets were a main part of that but I understand why they are there.

[Blzer]

Re: Safety First

Only thing I'm still scared of is safety in security. There still aren't enough measures being taken for somebody to bring something into or near a ballpark that is explosive or armed. I'm not saying we need to take measures like airport security, but I really do think it needs to be close to it.

I'm surprised something hasn't happened in that regard yet.

In light of what just happened around Paris on Friday and what we saw today around the NFL, that is how I would like to see security for all public events, including baseball stadiums.

[Perfect Zero]

Re: Safety First

In light of what just happened around Paris on Friday and what we saw today around the NFL, that is how I would like to see security for all public events, including baseball stadiums.

If they go with any more than what they have now, I'll have to give up my season tickets. I know the NFL doesn't let you bring anything in, and that's a big reason why I've never been to JerryWorld for a major event. I can bring supper to the Ballpark along with a few drinks to offset the cost of a half season. If they go the NFL route, I may not go to another game there.

I'm sad to see ISIS is getting what they want...