Larry Vanover, the veteran MLB umpire, has been discharged from the hospital after being hit by an 89 mph throw in the head during a game between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians. Vanover, who has been an umpire since 1991, suffered a pretty good-sized knot and was partially coherent after being hit. He walked off the field on his own alongside a trainer shortly after the incident.
Vanover’s incident is a reminder of the importance of umpire safety in the sport. Baseball is a high-speed game, and there are numerous incidents that can happen in the blink of an eye. The MLB has instituted several measures to protect their umpires on the field, including requiring catchers to wear helmets with mask extensions, protecting them from bats and balls that ricochet near the plate.
Vanover’s accident comes after a spate of incidents of fans throwing objects at players, including a recent incident which saw a Rockies mascot tackled by a fan during a game. This highlights the need for more stringent security measures to be put in place in sports stadiums to protect players, umpires, and fans alike.
In conclusion, incidents like Larry Vanover’s remind us that the sport of baseball poses real dangers on the field. While we must continue to celebrate the game’s intensity and athleticism, we must also take measures to ensure the safety of all those involved in the game, including the umpires, players, and fans.
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