Catching a baseball as a fan is one of the most thrilling fan experiences across any sport.
The odds of catching a baseball are incredibly low considering the limited amount of balls that actually go to the stands, the placement of those balls, and the amount of competition there is to catch one.
While catching a ball is certainly a highlight of anyone's baseball fandom, not everyone is paying attention to every single pitch and swing. Baseball games are filled with several things to do in the crowd like grabbing a hotdog, chugging a beer, or simply conversing with friends.
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So there have been instances where balls have flown into the stands and unfortunately have struck unsuspecting fans. These have led to numerous injuries and in some cases, even death.
A recent example happened during a game on Sunday, May 19 between the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays which took place at the Rodgers Center in downtown Toronto.
A fan posted on X (formerly Twitter) that she had been struck by a foul ball which was hit by Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette.
The fan named Liz McGuire on X showed gruesome photos of the incident, the first of which saw a giant bulge on her forehead which turned into a massive black eye in the second photo.
"I got my face mashed in by a 110mph foul off Bo Bichette's bat. I didn't even get the ball. I even stayed till the end of the game. Any way you can hook a girl up?" McGuire posted while tagging the Toronto Blue Jays X account.
Hey @BlueJays I got my face mashed in by a 110mph foul off Bo Bichette's bat. I didn't even get the ball. I even stayed till the end of the game. Any way you can hook a girl up? #tothecore #bluejays pic.twitter.com/uXJqXenVLm
— Liz McGuire (@lizzzzzzzzzzy) May 19, 2024
Bichette had hit just one ball into foul territory in the game based on play-by-play data, so it can be assumed that the incident took place during the third pitch of his first at-bat in the bottom of the 2nd inning.
According to McGuire's replies, she was seated in section 137 of Rodgers Centre, which is right around foul area in left field.
McGuire also said that she did receive medical treatment from Blue Jays medical staff and described them as "super nice."
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She also said that she's hoping the Blue Jays would just gift her with something considering she didn't even get the ball because the lady who claimed it wouldn't give it back to her. McGuire said fans were chanting for the lady, who left early, to give the hurt fan the ball.
The Blue Jays have yet to post a response to McGuire on the incident.
I didnt even get the ball, lady who eventually got the ball that ricocheted off my face wouldnt give us the ball back and left the game early. w the section chanting. "give her the ball".
— Liz McGuire (@lizzzzzzzzzzy) May 20, 2024
As expected, there were several fans who were wondering how McGuire was unable to see the ball. She said in her replies that the ball went over the protective netting and that she turned away "for a second" to quickly talk to her friend and that's when she was hit.
it was so fast! i just turned away for a second! it could happen to anyone!
— Liz McGuire (@lizzzzzzzzzzy) May 20, 2024
Because of the prevalence for these accidents, all 30 MLB teams have extended protective netting behind foul ball territory to past the dugouts, with some even adding netting all the way to the foul poles.
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NBC reported in 2019 that the netting extensions for all teams happened after more concern from fans being hurt, particularly in the aftermath of the death of a Los Angeles Dodgers fan who was hit by a foul ball in 2018.
Many fans were quick to point out in the comments that the MLB has placed it behind many of its tickets to be careful of errand baseballs or other debris from the game.
The Blue Jays Terms and Conditions for its 2024 Season Ticket Holders has a detailed disclaimer warning fans of such incidents which reads, in part:
"The Holder, on their own behalf and on behalf of any Accompanying Parties, acknowledges and voluntarily assumes all risks and dangers associated with: (a) being a spectator before, during and after a baseball game (including, all warm-ups, practices, pre-game, post-game and between-inning activities, promotions and competitions) and (b) attending or observing the Game, in each case, whether any such risk or damage occurs prior to, during, or subsequent thereto, including specifically (but not exclusively) the danger of being injured by thrown bats; bat fragments; thrown or batted balls; thrown, dropped or launched items; projectiles; persons; animals, other hazards or distractions."
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