John Farrell: Fan Safety 'Paramount,' Unclear If Changes Coming At Fenway
BOSTON (CBS) – Red Sox manager John Farrell said Saturday that fan safety is critical, though any potential changes to Fenway Park after a woman was injured by a broken bat would have to be approved by Major League Baseball.
Tonya Carpenter was sitting in the second row near the Oakland on-deck circle during Friday night's game when Brett Lawrie's bat splintered and flew into the stands.
Read: Woman Injured By Broken Bat At Fenway Park Identified
The bat hit Carpenter, causing life-threatening injuries. She remains in serious condition Saturday at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
"As far as fan safety goes, that's paramount to any ballpark, whether it's Fenway or somewhere else," Farrell told reporters before Saturday's game. "If there's any changes that were to be made, any changes that are made to any ballpark, there's approval by MLB that has to take place. We'll always look for ways to continue to make fan safety a priority."
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said during a Saturday event that his thoughts and prayers go out to Carpenter and her family.
But he added that any potential changes would be up to Major League Baseball and the Red Sox.
"I'm sure they've looked at it, and they'll probably look at it again," Walsh said about potentially extending the netting near the home plate area of Fenway Park.
"People have to be alert. Anywhere you sit in Fenway, or any baseball park, because you just never know. They're' professional athletes and they're throwing baseballs at 90 MPH, and the bats break. It's sad. You don't expect that when you go to a game with your family. The last thing you're thinking about is you're going to get hit with a bat or a ball."
Farrell said his thoughts on whether the netting should be extended are "irrelevant" as he reiterated that ballpark changes need to receive league approval.
"I'm sure MLB always looks at equipment, particularly in this case when you've got a flying object into the stands, and takes it seriously," said Farrell. "Whatever changes may result of it, I'm unaware of it right now."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports