While MLB commissioner Rob Manfred looking to, and now implementing pace of play initiatives for the 2018 season was the focal point of potential change, there’s also been a movement to extend the protective nettings at stadiums across the league.
In December 2015, the Dodgers announced plans to extend the screen behind home plate to cover the seating area between the ends of the dugouts closest to home plate and within 70 feet of home plate. It came in accordance to recommendations MLB issued all clubs.
This past January, team president and CEO Stan Kasten confirmed the safety netting at Dodger Stadium would again be expanded for the 2018 season.
According to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, that will be in place by the exhibition Freeway Series near the end of March, plus the Dodgers are also taking action at Camelback Ranch before Friday’s Cactus League opener:
Camelback Ranch will have expanded netting on main field in time for Friday’s Cactus League #lidlifter. Will be in place at Dodger Stadium in time for Freeway Series
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 19, 2018
The latest update will have the nettings at the Dodgers’ respective home parks to the ends of both dugouts.
Although there was some concern over possible backlash from fans because of what could be perceived as an obstructed view, the response to extending safety nettings has generally been positive.
MLB was further moved to implore teams to extend their respective nettings after a young girl attending a game at Yankee Stadium in September 2017 was struck by a foul ball and seriously injured.
It’s expected all clubs will comply with the league’s wishes, if not by this season then by 2019.
