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We were participating in a triple crown 14 year old tournament this weekend near Atlanta, GA.*Something very disturbing happened during the game that will stay with me a long time. It also made me wonder -- do most high schools, colleges, and MLB fields have open dugouts and if so, why?
Early in the game a batter hit a hard, curving line drive into the dugout. A player, trying to dodge the ball, moved right into it, taking the full blow on his temple. *We heard the sound of the impact -- we hoped it had been a glancing blow.*
When the dust settled, one player was on the ground as teammates and coaches crowded around to check on him. Then the players were moved away as several coaches hurried to help.*
The stands fell silent, except for whispers amongst the parents. Someone asked, "Why do they not have a net or SOMETHING over the dugout to protect the players"? "I don't know, but our high school field is set up the same way" offered another. The 3 foot fence in front of the players in the dugout gave very little protection.*
Suddenly, several people started moving in different directions. Someone talked to the 911 operator, as another ran to open the gate for the ambulance, while the coach went to let the player's mother know what had happened.*
The parents in the stands did not have a clear view of their team's dugout-- few on the opposing team knew exactly whose kid had been hurt. So, they waited for the clapping often reserved for the player who gets hurt, but then moments later, rises slowly to his feet.**
So we watched from the 3rd base side as the coach walked up to her and gave her the news all parents dread to hear -- "Your son has been hurt... We've called for an ambulance".
She descended the bleachers and approached the huddle with a steady stride. She slowed somewhat as she drew nearer. The coach curtain opened to let the mother see. She bent over to speak to him.
A second later, she put both hands to her face and turned away -- clearly shaken. She ran back toward the bleachers. She called to someone in the stands excitedly and had the look of someone trying to move in different directions at the same time.
For long moments everyone waited... Then, in the distance, we heard *the siren of an ambulance. The sound got gradually louder. Presently, the flashing red lights appeared from around the corner. A moment or two later, the young man was wheeled away and loaded in the ambulance.
The next morning we received good news. Although he would need to stay a few days for observation, his test indicated things had turn out better than expected.
What would be the best way to prevent this from happening in the future?
Early in the game a batter hit a hard, curving line drive into the dugout. A player, trying to dodge the ball, moved right into it, taking the full blow on his temple. *We heard the sound of the impact -- we hoped it had been a glancing blow.*
When the dust settled, one player was on the ground as teammates and coaches crowded around to check on him. Then the players were moved away as several coaches hurried to help.*
The stands fell silent, except for whispers amongst the parents. Someone asked, "Why do they not have a net or SOMETHING over the dugout to protect the players"? "I don't know, but our high school field is set up the same way" offered another. The 3 foot fence in front of the players in the dugout gave very little protection.*
Suddenly, several people started moving in different directions. Someone talked to the 911 operator, as another ran to open the gate for the ambulance, while the coach went to let the player's mother know what had happened.*
The parents in the stands did not have a clear view of their team's dugout-- few on the opposing team knew exactly whose kid had been hurt. So, they waited for the clapping often reserved for the player who gets hurt, but then moments later, rises slowly to his feet.**
So we watched from the 3rd base side as the coach walked up to her and gave her the news all parents dread to hear -- "Your son has been hurt... We've called for an ambulance".
She descended the bleachers and approached the huddle with a steady stride. She slowed somewhat as she drew nearer. The coach curtain opened to let the mother see. She bent over to speak to him.
A second later, she put both hands to her face and turned away -- clearly shaken. She ran back toward the bleachers. She called to someone in the stands excitedly and had the look of someone trying to move in different directions at the same time.
For long moments everyone waited... Then, in the distance, we heard *the siren of an ambulance. The sound got gradually louder. Presently, the flashing red lights appeared from around the corner. A moment or two later, the young man was wheeled away and loaded in the ambulance.
The next morning we received good news. Although he would need to stay a few days for observation, his test indicated things had turn out better than expected.
What would be the best way to prevent this from happening in the future?
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