Sports
Sports

All 30 MLB stadiums to expand netting behind home plate by opening day

In this May 14, 2013, file photo, the Cincinnati Reds take batting practice at Marlins Park before a baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Miami. A person familiar with the decision says the Marlins have been awarded the 2017 All-Star Game, and an announcement by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is planned for this week at the team’s ballpark. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
In this May 14, 2013, file photo, the Cincinnati Reds take batting practice at Marlins Park before a baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Miami. A person familiar with the decision says the Marlins have been awarded the 2017 All-Star Game, and an announcement by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is planned for this week at the team’s ballpark. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
By Juliakate E Culpepper
Feb 1, 2018

All Major League Baseball parks will expand netting behind home plate to reach the far end of each dugout by opening day, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

The change was implemented after several incidents of fans being hit by foul balls or bats in the areas where netting is not present over the past few seasons.

The MLB recommended expanding nets in December 2015 after several injuries to fans.

The netting at the Atlanta Braves' SunTrust Park already meets these requirements.

About the Author

Juliakate E Culpepper
More Stories

Keep Reading

Jim Leyritz and the 2021 Braves advance.

Credit: Cayce Dunn/AJC

VOTE: 28-3 or Vick in prison? ‘95 Braves or Sid’s slide?

How social media boosts ‘a-peel’ for Savannah Bananas

The Bananas first went viral on Facebook in 2016 with “Can’t Stop the Peeling,” a rendition of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”

How Johni Broome’s dramatic return from injury helped propel Auburn to Final Four

The Latest

Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar acknowledges the San Diego crowd on opening day.

Credit: Gregory Bull/AP

Sports Daily: Thanks, I hate it

Sports Daily: Braves bats go AWOL

VOTE: 28-3 or Vick in prison? ‘95 Braves or Sid’s slide?

Featured

People join a rally in support for U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees on Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2025, at the Atlanta headquarters after federal cuts triggered significant layoffs. (Photo: Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Mass layoffs underway at Atlanta-based CDC

Public health experts say the CDC cuts could represent generational damage to health research and the elimination of infectious diseases.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank discusses his hourlong phone call with Kirk Cousins

“I had a long and impactful conversation with him,” the Atlanta Falcons owner said at the NFL annual meeting on Tuesday.

Atlanta rapper Young Scooter died after cutting leg on wood fence, medical examiner says

New details still have investigators asking questions about the death of the rapper, who police say died after falling while running from officers responding to a 911 call.

1h ago