Please pay attention at sporting events: Coach loses eye after hit by baseball

Whether it's hockey, baseball, NASCAR, or some other sport that has fast moving projectiles, pay attention to the action and be safe

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-braves-salazarhit

Atlanta Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar has lost an eye after he was struck in the face by a line drive while watching a spring training game.

Braves general manager Frank Wren said Wednesday that doctors were unable to save Salazar’s left eye after the accident March 9. The former major league player is otherwise recovering from his injuries and expects to manage Lynchburg of the Class A Carolina League this season.

The 54-year-old Salazar was standing against the railing on the top step of the dugout during a game between the Braves and St. Louis Cardinals when Brian McCann(notes) fouled a ball in his direction. Salazar was unable to get out of the way and fell head-first back into the dugout.

The game was stopped for almost 20 minutes so Salazar could be airlifted to an Orlando hospital. He regained consciousness on the way and was treated for multiple facial fractures, but doctors were unable to save his left eye.

I heard about this when it first happened, but I didn't realize it was so serious. My thoughts go out to him and his family. I believe his son in a MLB player as well.

I have coached a lot of baseball, and I have seen so many close calls.

Although the bat wasn't the cause in this case, aluminum bats should be outlawed - there should be no choice, at all.

Sonoman

Although I think the main reason they are still used is cost effectiveness. Wooden bats will eventually break; aluminum bats not so much. In many cases kids leagues and school districts just can't afford the additional cost of reaplcing wooden bats on a regular basis.

They're lethal.

The ball comes at you fast whether it's a teammate throwing you the ball or it coming off the bat. That is why I played outfield though I didn't make the team because I couldn't hit.

when a bat broke in half. The sharp spinning end of the bat came very close to me, hitting a few rows back. No one was hurt but the potential was there. I needed another beer.

It was horrible. Split eyelid, broken bones, numerous repair surgeries over the ensuing 2 or 3 years. She was 31 at the time.

I hope Mr. Salazar has a speedy recovery from his injuries. He has a tough few months ahead. :-(