Cubs' Russell hits fan with flying bat: 'Words can't describe how bad I feel'
CHICAGO - A fan was hit by a flying bat at Wrigley Field during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs on Monday night and carried from the stands on a stretcher.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Chicago rookie Addison Russell, playing his first game at Wrigley Field, lost control of his bat on a swing as he led off the bottom of the seventh inning. The bat flew into the seats between the Cubs' dugout on the third base side and the netting behind home plate.
"I saw it connect with his face and I felt so bad," Russell told Jesse Rogers of ESPN. "Words can't describe how bad I feel. In my mind I was screaming 'watch out watch out'. Saw his glasses fly. It wasn't pretty."
Cubs owner Tom Ricketts was sitting about five rows below the fan, and asked a team trainer in the dugout for ice and a towel. Ricketts went over to assist the fan while paramedics were called.
The Cubs released a statement saying the fan was conscious and communicating with staff before being taken to a nearby hospital.