Youngster struck by foul ball in today’s Royals-Astros said to be OK

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A scary moment occurred early in today’s playoff baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Houston Astros when a young fan in the stands was hit by a foul ball.

It was a sobering scene as the child was quickly rushed out of the stands in the second inning of Monday’s game at Minute Maid Park.

ESPN Radio reports that Major League Baseball has communicated with the child’s family, who says the youngster will be fine.

It’s probably a good time for MLB to seriously consider expanding the coverage of fan seating that’s protected by screens. Earlier this season, a fan at Boston’s Fenway Park sustained major injuries when she was struck by a broken bat.

Expanding the protective netting is an easy fix and not one that will detract from the fan experience. 

The National Hockey League several years ago mandated nets behind both goals after a child was hit by a puck slapped into the stands. The child later died from the injury. It’s not worth it for MLB to wait around on this.