Padres, Mariners join Reds in commitment to extend safety netting
Another two clubs are prioritizing fan safety at their ballparks in 2018.
Following Wednesday's incident at Yankee Stadium when a 2-year-old girl was hit in the face by a foul ball, the Cincinnati Reds announced they will extend the netting behind home plate to the ends of both dugouts in order to better protect fans.
Later Thursday, the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners followed suit, announcing plans to install additional safety netting for next season at Petco Park and Safeco Field, respectively.
Statement from the Padres regarding the installment of additional netting for 2018: pic.twitter.com/t0AFwYhYUD
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 22, 2017
In an effort to better protect our fans, we will be extending the netting at @SafecoField.
— Mariners (@Mariners) September 21, 2017
📰 https://t.co/RLxd9wZH0J pic.twitter.com/QdCnWBY8az
The Colorado Rockies announced they have been in contact with vendors regarding extended netting, though the club did not confirm Coors Field would have the added safety precautions for 2018.
Following the incident in New York, commissioner Rob Manfred stated he planned to "redouble efforts" regarding additional safety netting in all 30 ballparks in Major League Baseball.