Mr. Cool Glasses. Photo Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Mr. Cool Glasses.
Photo Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier today, human balloon animal Ken Rosenthal reported that the Phillies intended to expand safety netting in 2016. Rosenthal wrote:

“At least one major-league team plans to extend protective netting for fans.

The Philadelphia Phillies intend to install such netting at Citizens Bank Park, but are waiting on baseball before proceeding with final plans, according to major-league sources.”

Commissioner Rob Manfred later clarified, saying Rosenthal’s report actually wasn’t accurate:

“Sometimes – this is shocking, actually – sometimes I’ve learned over the years that not all reports are accurate. I’ve talked to the Phillies folks. They have no plans to move ahead immediately on this topic …

This is a topic that is of serious concern, not only to me but more importantly to all 30 owners. We discussed it in August. We have a process ongoing here we are examining all of the relevant information. Stadium designs. Where balls and bats go into the stands … Fan input, in terms of what they’re looking to see. Material availability. You know, there’s netting and then there’s netting.”

Okay. So they don’t plan on expanding that protective netting. Or they do, but it’s not super pressing. Well, it would be a sign that they should if tonight, of all nights, with Manfred in attendance, something happened:

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The fan was reportedly hit near the eye and was escorted out, but is reportedly fine.

As Kyle mentioned earlier – and wrote “If someone gets hurt between now and the end of the season, that line about the Phillies waiting will come back to haunt them” – social media does play a role in this, as stories are spread quickly, forcing the league’s hand. Not to mention the fact that people are distracted, on social media, at the games. And with these added distractions (or utilities, whatever), fans will have their heads down more. A few extra nets aren’t going to hurt a thing.