Twins, Indians to extend protective netting for 2018

The Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians are taking a close look into fan safety this offseason as both teams are planning to extend protective netting at their home ballparks ahead of the 2018 season.

Target Field will get a makeover for its existing netting above the dugouts from 7 feet to approximately 9 feet, the Twins announced Wednesday. They also announced materials being used to craft protective nets, and their intention to use coloring to help it blend in with the playing field to help visibility.

The Twins were visiting the New York Yankees when a young fan was struck by a Todd Frazier foul ball in September, prompting an outcry for greater protective measures.

Similarly, the Indians announced earlier in the day that they plan on extending the netting at Progressive Field further down both baselines.

Several other teams had previously announced plans to extend protective netting since the injury suffered by the young fan at Yankee Stadium, including the Yankees.