I’m torn on the issue of extending the nets in MLB stadiums. I love baseball, always have and always will. I hate seeing accidents like this and hope the girl recovers soon.
One reason I would hate to see the nets extended to the foul polls is because of what it takes away from the game. No more players reaching into the first row to snag a foul pop up. It would greatly limit player/fan interaction like players handing a kid a ball or tossing one a few rows into the stands. Same goes for when ball boys/girls give kids balls. I think this is a great part of the game and something uniquely baseball.
Then again, players are stronger and equipment is more lively these days and accidents like this are increasing. Yes, every ticket warns of this but, if not every batter can get out of the way of a 95mph fastball, why do we expect a non athletic spectator to be able to get out of the way of a 100 mph + foul ball? You can have all your attention on the game but have only seconds to react.
Unlike some baseball traditionalists, I will not be mad or upset if MLB decides to extend the nets. Honestly, it’s probably for the best. I’d hate to see the things I mention earlier go away but, it will not ruin the game for me.
One last thing clubs will have to consider is that many of these seats in harms way are some of the more expensive seats in the stadium. It’s not always fun watching the game through a net and, will the patrons who can afford these seats still be willing to pay for a slightly “obstructed” view? I will never have to worry about this because I can’t afford to sit low enough to be in harms way, not at MLB games at least. Biscuits games maybe.
In fact, I wish the Biscuits would extend the nets. Took the family to a game last year on 4th of July and sat in the second row behind the 3rd base bullpen. I was on edge the whole game. We are going again this year on the 4th and I purposely chose seats behind the nets so I could relax a little.
