When you go to a ballgame

You really have to pay attention at the ballpark, and it's also helpful to have lightning reflexes.  Or sit way up high or behind the screen.

You probably heard about the unfortunate woman at the Red Sox game on Friday night who was struck and hurt badly by the fat part of a broken bat that went flying into the stands.  As of late yesterday, the woman, Tonya Carpenter, 44, of Paxton, Mass, was still in serious condition at a Boston hospital.

This, of course, has led to a discussion among Bostonians about having more screens and walls and I don't know what-all else between the fans and the game.   The Red Sox are in the business of selling tickets to people who want to watch them play ball, and they built these extra seats about 2 feet from the third base coach's left hip pocket, so the danger factor is high, sitting there.

Major League Baseball   expressed “the utmost concern” for the victim.

“We will continue to keep her and her family in our thoughts and prayers. We appreciate the efforts of the Red Sox, the first responders, the Boston Police Department and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,” said the MLB statement. “Fan safety is our foremost goal for all those who choose to support our game by visiting our ballparks and we will always strive for that experience to be safe and fan-friendly.”

Maybe they should hand out helmets and riot shields for those close seats.

As we hope for the best for Ms Carpenter, here's a bit of history for you.  Bob Feller was an Iowa farm boy who became a great pitcher for the Cleveland Indians in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.  For years, he tried to get his mother to come down to Cleveland from Iowa to see him play ball, but she demurred.

Because Mother Knows Best!  Bob sent Mrs Feller a train ticket and a front-row ticket for the Mother's Day game in May, 1939, and late in the game, Marv Owen of the opposing Chi White Sox came up to bat, swung on a Feller pitch, and knocked a foul ball into the stands –  right in the face of Mrs. Feller, breaking her glasses and sending her to the hospital. Devoted son Bob finished out the game and the Indians won 9-4.  No word on whether he gave Mom the game ball later.