Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Rich Hill phoned Major League Baseball on Tuesday to advocate for extending the protective netting at ballparks.
"It’s such a little investment to protect a life," Hill said, according to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times. "Everybody puts their seat belt on when they get in a car. Times change. A lot of things have changed to indicate in these circumstances that we’re in a different time. That’s it. Period. And I don’t think anybody will be upset by that."
Hill, in essence, hopes the league will follow the example set by the Chicago White Sox, who recently announced their plans to extend the netting to the foul poles at Guaranteed Rate Field. The decision was made after a young girl was struck in the head by a foul ball at Houston's Minute Maid Park in May.
Dodger Stadium has seen its share of safety-related incidents recently. Last August, 79-year-old Linda Goldbloom was struck and ultimately killed by a foul ball. A boy was also hit by a line drive during batting practice earlier this season, which "scared the (crap)" out of Hill.
"One more fan having a severe injury or, in a really unfortunate situation, a death, is something that is unacceptable," Hill explained. "You come to the ballpark for a reprieve and to take a break from the hectic schedule of life to enjoy watching us go out there and play. And you want to feel comfortable and safe."
A Dodgers spokesperson declined to comment on whether the organization plans to extend protective netting at its home field, Castillo added.
