Fan injured by broken bat at Fenway Park
We often lose sight of how dangerous the game of baseball can be for the players on the field, and even for the fans, who gather in close proximity as baseballs and bats fly around at the park at high speeds.
Unfortunately, we were hit with a troubling reminder on Friday night at Fenway Park as one fan was removed on a stretcher after being struck by the sharp edge of Brett Lawrie’s broken bat.
The scary incident happened in the second inning with Lawrie batting against Boston’s Wade Miley. Lawrie was handcuffed by the pitch, causing his bat to snap at the handle. The jagged barrel was launched into the stands to the left of home plate where it reportedly struck the fan.
This is the swing that did it.
There’s no definitve word on the fan’s condition, though early reports from beat writers on the scene were both startling and sobering.
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That game was delayed temporarily so the fan could be transported to an ambulance waiting at one of the gates inside the ballpark.
After the fact, fans were left stunned, silenced and shaken as the stadium crew cleaned up the scene.
Players and umpires could be seen discussing it as well, as all who witnessed it were obviously affected by what they had seen.
We will have updates on the fan’s condition as they become available. For now, we’ll join those in Boston and those who were watching in wishing the fan the very best.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
