Wednesday's Yankees versus Twins game at Yankee Stadium came to a screeching halt when a foul ball traveling more than 100 mph struck a child in the stands.
The child received first aid at the stadium and was transported to an area hospital for further treatment. The shocking accident, which caused players to go down on bent knee, has also re-opened the discussion on whether MLB fields should expand netting to protect more attendees from stray balls.
Players and fans alike had a lot to say on social media in response to the accident, with the overwhelming opinion the protective netting should be expanded for safety.
As of Thursday morning, 87 percent of users polled by NorthJersey.com agreed more netting should be installed to protect spectators in the stands.
Earlier this year, New York City Councilman Rafael L. Espinal Jr. introduced a bill calling for the extension of protective netting from home plate to the foul poles in any ballpark with 5,000 or more seating capacity.
Espinal had not directly responded to the incident as of Thursday morning, but retweeted a poll about netting. The Mets announced in June netting would be expanded at Citi Field and all affiliate Minor League stadiums.
It's not the first time a child has been injured at a game from flying equipment. During a May game at Yankee Stadium, a young boy was struck in the head by a piece of Chris Carter's broken bat that flew into the stands.
At a July game, another foul ball struck a fan in the head and required emergency response.
"Either one, you don't bring kids down there, or number two, every stadium needs to have nets," said Twins second baseman, Brian Dozier in a postgame interview. "I don't care about the view of a fan or what _ it's all about safety."
Todd Frazier, who hit the ball which struck the child agreed.
"I think the netting should be up. I think every stadium should have it, but we're not at that point yet," Frazier said. "Hopefully, they'll take a look at this and they'll figure something out."
