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Sunday, December 27, 2015

Nothing But Net

AN EDITED VERSION OF THIS PIECE APPEARS IN THE NY TIMES LETTERS TO THE SPORTS EDITOR ON DECEMBER 27, 2015


("Baseball Has a New Policy on Netting But There's a Catch")

Paul O'Neill was at the plate. I knew from watching him play for several years as a Yankee that he often hit vicious line drive fouls into the stands behind third base.

I was seated about 20 rows deep, just beyond third base. I was focused on the play on the field. I never even had time to react to the ball that hit off my right hip and then caromed probably 50 feet  before being "caught" by someone sitting 5 or 6 rows from the field and further down the left field line.

Thankfully I was not injured. But "being alert" for foul balls is inadequate warning. Put up the net.

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