Fan suffers life-threatening injuries after being struck by broken bat

We often overlook and downright forget 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 terrifying speeds.

Unfortunately, we were hit with a troubling reminder on Friday night at Fenway Park as one fan reportedly suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck in the face by the barrel 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.

According to Boston police, the fan was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where she’s currently receiving treatment for her injuries. The victim, who has not been identified, was sitting with her husband and son at the time.  

Here’s more from the Boston Globe

A security guard who witnessed the accident said the woman suffered serious injuries to her face. A boy sitting near the woman was shaken up, according to the security guard.

A number of fans witnessed the accident, including Alex Merlas of Brookline.

“Brett Lawrie hit the ball and the bat snapped in half near the end of the bat,” Merlas said. “It hit on the forehead to the top of the head … it was a blunt trauma and it was a lot of blood. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that much blood.”

Here are a few of the earlier reports in the immediate aftermath, all of which indicated the situation was very serious. 

A shard from Brett Lawrie’s broken bat struck fan sitting in third-base boxes. Bleeding pretty profusely. Other fan offers shirt to medics

— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) June 5, 2015

A policeman was holding a young child and shielding his or her eyes. Fans in the area trying to help. Lots of blood. Awful scene.

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) June 5, 2015

It looks like fan who left game had a child with her. Child was carried out by medics while she shrieked in pain. Brutal to see and hear.

— John Tomase (@jtomase) June 5, 2015

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.  

Sobering to watch ushers wiping blood from row where young woman was sitting

— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) June 6, 2015

Players and umpires could be seen discussing it as well, as all who witnessed it were obviously affected.

We will have updates on the fan’s condition as they become available.

We join those in Boston and those who were watching in wishing the fan and her family 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