The Indians are extending the netting at Progressive Field as a safety measure for fans in the 2018 season.
The netting will reach to the ends of each dugout, according to a news release, from section 164 behind the third-base dugout to section 140 down the first-base line. In 2016, the Indians extended the netting as well as the canopy behind home plate in conjunction with a league safety initiative.
"We remain committed to delivering the best experience for our fans at Progressive Field," Indians vice president of ballpark operations Jim Folk said. "Safety is our No. 1 priority and these measures should balance that commitment to safety with the interactive nature of our game, something we know is also important to our fans."
Extending the netting at Major League Baseball stadiums became a hot topic last season after some scary incidents involving fans.
One such incident took place at Yankee Stadium in September, when Todd Frazier rifled a foul ball into the stands that struck a child. In 2016, a fan was injured at Progressive Field by a foul ball hit down the right-field line. Foul balls can be driven into the stands as speeds approaching or topping 100 mph.
The Indians have started to communicate with season ticket holders whose seats could be affected by the expanded netting, according to the release.
