In an effort to increase safety for fans at MLB ballparks, Commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday his office will recommend expanded netting for the 2016 season.
Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the news. It’s unclear how much the existing netting will be expanded, but Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the new guidelines will be in place by January 2016.
Manfred’s public proclamation comes after a 2015 filled with calls for increases in fan safety. An Oakland Athletics season ticket holder filed a lawsuit in July asking MLB to put netting throughout foul territory to protect against foul balls and flying bats. According to the suit, 1,750 injuries per year by foul balls and broken bats could be prevented with more netting, per the Associated Press (via ESPN.com).
“She fears for her and her husband’s safety and particularly for her daughter,” the lawsuit says of Gail Payne, the woman named as the plaintiff. “She is constantly ducking and weaving to avoid getting hit by foul balls or shattered bats.”
The push drew more attention in August when Gregory Murrey fell to his death from the upper deck of Atlanta’s Turner Field. That led to calls for raising the railings at the edges of upper decks and expanding safety netting to avoid fans falling onto hard concrete.
“I know it may restrict the viewing a little bit,” San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, per Nightengale, “but these new parks are so close to the field, there are times when I can’t seem to get out of the way here, and this is what I do for a living. We should try to do something to cut back on these injuries to the fans.”
Manfred said in October that MLB’s proposal comes after an expansive study, which was aimed at finding a solution that will satisfy fan safety needs while keeping with expected aesthetics.
“We’ve done a ton of research on the topic,” Manfred said, per Maury Brown of Forbes. “Everything from designs of ballparks to data on exactly where bats and balls go to materials that are available for netting. This new netting is far different from designs in the past. This new netting protects but increases the visibility for the fans.”
If that’s the case, these changes should make everyone happy. Either way, after all of the events in recent years, it’s comforting to see MLB take a proactive stance and ensure fans will be safe when attending games.
Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com