07.09.19

On All-Star Game Day, Durbin Continues Push For Fan Safety At MLB Parks

WASHINGTON—Today, in a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) urged Major League Baseball (MLB) to require extended protective netting to the right and left field corners at all 30 major league ballparks. Durbin also thanked the MLB teams, including the Chicago White Sox, who proactively announced netting extensions this year.

“The increasing number of fans hit by balls makes it clear that new safety standards are needed at ballparks. This week, we will all see Major League Baseball’s finest players at the All-Star Game.  Baseball fans deserve the best, too. I urge Commissioner Manfred and all teams to extend safety netting at all Major League ballparks to the foul poles.  Let’s not wait until next season. Increased fan safety is a win for everyone,” Durbin said.

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor are available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

Last month, following recent incidents of MLB fans being hit by foul balls, Durbin and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred urging him to protect fans from foul balls at parks. 

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