- Todd Frazier’s fifth-inning line-drive shot into the stands along the third-base line
- Frazier was left aghast while third-base coach Joe Espada reportedly dropped to his knees and began praying for the victim of the accident
- The Yankees confirmed a child was struck by the foul, adding that the victim received first-aid treatment at the stadium before being sent to the hospital
- Some Major League teams have extended protective netting down the first- and third-base lines, but the Yankees have thus far chosen not to do so
A young fan was struck by a line-drive foul ball during Wednesday’s game at Yankees Stadium before ultimately being carried away by medical personnel.
The accident occurred in the fifth inning of New York’s 11-3 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins when Yankees third baseman Todd Frazier pulled a foul ball down the third base line and into the stands, where it reportedly struck a young girl in the mouth.
‘The child who was struck with a batted ball today was given first aid at the ballpark and is receiving medical attention at an area hospital,’ read a statement from the Yankees. ‘The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, known as HIPAA, prevents the team from giving more information. We will have no further comment at this time.’
A child hospitalized after a line-drive foul ball struck her in the fifth inning of Wednesday’s game between the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins at Yankees Stadium
Frazier must have witnessed the ball striking the child because he instantly dropped into a crouch inside the batter’s box while holding both hands over his mouth, aghast. Yankees third base coach Joe Espada reportedly crouched and appeared to be praying after witnessing the accident.
Fortunately, according to NJ.com, the girl was crying when she was being taken away, which means she must have been conscious.
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Fans seated near the child along the third-base line reportedly alerted the first responders and directed them to the victim.
After a five-minute delay, the game resumed.
Several major league teams have extended the netting behind home plate to protect fans seated along the first- and third-base lines. The Yankees, however, are not among those teams and have not announced any intention to extend the netting.
Yankees third baseman Todd Frazier reacts after hitting a foul ball off the face of a young fan
Yankees third base coach Joe Espada crouched down after seeing a young fan injured by a foul ball on Wednesday. One report claimed Espada initially dropped to his knees and prayed