Alert fan catches flying bat in Washington, gets a kiss for his efforts
We’ve already had our fill of scary flying bat incidents this season. That’s why everybody watching cringed and held their breath on Friday night when San Francisco Giants pitcher Jake Peavy lost his grip and sent his bat barreling into the stands at Nationals Park.
Fortunately, when the camera quickly panned to the crowd, all we saw was a fan celebrating perhaps the biggest catch of his life.
That man here is a hero, and to the hero go the spoils.
It’s a happy ending this time, but we should also use this as another reminder of just how important it is for fans to constantly pay attention at the ballpark. That’s especially true of fans sitting around the home plate and dugout areas. It’s a vulnerable position to be in when there’s no netting around, and if you’re not watching the action a bat or ball can get on you awfully quick.
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The rainy weather in Washington on Friday only served to make things more dangerous. Batters and pitchers both struggled with their grips and their footing as the conditions worsened, but fortunately no players went down with injuries either.
After celebrating the catch, the fans were able to celebrate a victory as well. Clint Robinson’s two-run homer in the seventh inning was all the offense Washington needed for a 2-1 victory. Buster Posey provided San Francisco’s only offense with a solo home run off Gio Gonzalez.
BLS H/N: Cut 4
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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
