By now, you have probably heard about the tragic death in the Ballpark in Arlington during yesterday's game between the Oakland Athletics and the Texas Rangers. Indulge me a few thoughts:
- The railings in the Ballpark are far too low. Katherine and I sit in the fourth row of the third deck. (We have a 20-game ticket package.) The railing is 10 feet in front of us. We see children as young as four or five years old standing near the rail. If you fall, you fall at least 30 feet. This is dangerous not only for the person who falls, but for those on whom he or she falls.
- I hope the Rangers are sued by the family of the deceased fan, not because the fan was faultless, but because the Rangers, too, are at fault for allowing such a dangerous situation to exist. This is the only way they are going to make the Ballpark safe. If higher rails hinder visibility, so be it. Safety must come first.
- Fans are far too eager to acquire baseballs. Why would someone risk life and limb to get a stupid baseball? I don't get it. You can buy an autographed baseball at the concession stand.
- The practice of players throwing foul balls into the stands must end. It is dangerous. The balls should be collected by ballboys and ballgirls and distributed to fans after the game.
- While I'm ranting, let me express opposition to the practice of throwing home-run balls back onto the field. I believe this started in Wrigley Field, but it has spread to the Ballpark and I assume to other Major League parks. On the one hand, fans risk life and limb to get balls. On the other hand, they throw balls back once they get them! It's also dangerous for the players. The other day, I saw Josh Hamilton turn around and wait for the ball to be thrown onto the field. He was obviously worried about the ball hitting him in the back or head. Teams should announce before the games begin that anyone who throws any object onto the field, including a baseball, will be ejected from the game immediately, banned from future games, and prosecuted for disorderly conduct. In no other sport are fans allowed to throw projectiles onto the field of play.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family of the deceased. His poor son, who was beside him in the stands at the time of the accident, will be traumatized for life.
