ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs CEO Derrick Hall addresses possible added netting

May 30, 2019, 11:03 AM | Updated: 11:32 am


After a young girl was struck by a foul ball and rushed to the hospital at a Cubs-Astros game Wednesday, the league and teams like the Diamondbacks are re-evaluating netting in their respective ballparks.

Cubs outfielder Albert Almora Jr. smoked the line drive foul ball into the seats along the third baseline in the top of the fourth inning, leaving Almora Jr. and the Astros infield shaken. Almora Jr. was shown crying and talking with an Astros security guard following the incident and was still upset after the game.

Players like Cubs third baseman and outfielder Kris Bryant have already called for additional netting. Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall offered his condolences and possible solutions Thursday morning.

“Obviously that was a sad situation yesterday,” Hall said on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s Doug & Wolf. “We never want to see any fan get hit, especially a little kid.”

Hall mentioned that the Diamondbacks were among the first MLB teams to extend netting to the end of the dugouts before the season.

But Hall was not as aggressive this time around promoting extended netting, calling it a “league decision.”

“I know right now the commissioner’s office is looking hard at it,” he said.

Hall noted that nets exist from foul pole to foul pole in Japan, and attendance has not been affected in those leagues by the increased safety measures whatsoever.

“If we believe that’s what it’s going to take to keep our fans safe, then we’ll probably extend it even more,” he said.

Hall’s view on the matter certainly comes with experience. He has been struck with a ball and bat, and his daughter was once struck in the head by a foul ball as well.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte...

Arizona Sports

NL Wild Card standings: Diamondbacks fight for postseason berth

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in a playoff hunt for the first time in years. After a cold July and early August, they are back in the race.

10 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Alex Weiner

Zac Gallen deals, D-backs beat Yankees in the rain to keep 2nd wild card spot

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen threw six scoreless innings on Sunday against the New York Yankees.

15 hours ago

Yankee Stadium...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks-Yankees game delayed by 50 minutes on Sunday in New York

The start of Sunday's game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium was delayed, the teams announced. 

19 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Alex Weiner

How weather may or may not impact the D-backs’ pitching plans down the stretch

Rain falling in New York could change the D-backs' pitching plans in the final week of the regular season.

2 days ago

Blake Walston...

Alex Weiner

D-backs prospects Ivan Melendez, Blake Walston to play in Arizona Fall League

Pitcher Blake Walston, infielder Ivan Melendez and outfielder A.J. Vukovich will represent the D-backs at the Arizona Fall League.

2 days ago

The Arizona Diamondbacks logo on the field during the MLB baseball game between the Chicago Cubs an...

Arizona Sports

Diamondbacks vs. Yankees game on Saturday postponed, rescheduled for Monday

The game between the Diamondbacks and Yankees scheduled for Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City has been postponed.

2 days ago

D-backs CEO Derrick Hall addresses possible added netting