Fan at Wrigley Field hospitalized after being struck by errant bat
A fan had to be hospitalized Monday night after being hit with an errant bat at Wrigley Field. The sequence took place in the seventh inning with Chicago Cubs rookie infielder Addison Russell at the plate.
[Yahoo Sports Fantasy Baseball: Sign up and join a league today!]
On the first pitch of his at-bat, Russell swung and missed at a 95 mph fastball from Rob Scahill. The bat slipped out of Russell’s hands on the swing, and went flying into the stands. The fan who was hit was sitting a couple rows behind the Cubs’ on-deck circle.
Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney left his seat in order to assist the fan. Kenney grabbed towels from the team’s dugout and brought them to the injured spectator. Chairman Tom Ricketts also attempted to help the fan before medical workers arrived. The fan suffered “wounds,” according to the Chicago Tribune.
The Cubs released a statement on the fan’s condition following the game.
Russell felt bad about the incident, and expressed concern for the fan, according to the Chicago Tribune.
“When the bat was in mid-flight, my mind was screaming ‘watch out, watch out,’ ” said Russell, who hopes to give the victim an autographed bat. “I saw the kid’s glasses fly, and it wasn’t pretty. I feel very bad.”
Fan injuries are always worrisome, especially when the word “kid” is involved. Our thoughts go out to the fan injured during Monday’s game. We’ll keep you updated on his status once more news is released.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
– – – – – – –
Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
