It was a scary scene at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday as a line drive off the bat of Cubs outfielder Albert Almora struck a child in the stands.
Almora was visibly shaken up after the foul ball.
Here is Albert Almora’s reaction as his foul ball struck a very young fan. A really horrific moment. Kids fall in love with the game of baseball after going to the ballpark and experiencing a Major League Baseball game. This shouldn’t happen. PRAYERS. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/yOGfrqpmMF
— Cubs Live (@Cubs_Live) May 30, 2019
The 25-year-old went over to check on the fan who was injured and had to be consoled by his teammates and manager Joe Maddon.
The young fan was immediately rushed upstairs after the play.
Albert Almora Jr down on one knee after a foul ball apparently hit a small kid/baby in the stands. Was rushed upstairs immediately. Minute Maid has gone quiet. Awful scene here
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) May 30, 2019
Almora embraced a security guard after the play and was seen crying on ESPN.
You have to feel for Albert Almora Jr. He just went to the area of stands where he hit the ball and asked a security guard about the child. He stood here and hugged the security guard and appeared to weep. Wow, really tough scene.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) May 30, 2019
A really tough scene at Minute Maid Park over the last inning. Albert Almora Jr. of the Cubs hit a hard line-drive foul into the stands that hit a young child. Almora Jr. was extremely shaken up and after the next half inning, he was consoled by MMP security personnel. pic.twitter.com/2hfHX4hvNd
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) May 30, 2019
Fan safety at games has long been a point of discussion in MLB. Before every game, teams warn fans of balls or bats coming into the stands.
In February 2018, all MLB teams mandated that netting be extended down the lines to prevent injuries. As of right now, there is no netting around significant parts of every MLB ballpark as well as above a certain level behind home plate in certain stadiums.
Update: It was reported on ATT Sportsnet that the child appears to be doing OK.
"The family took the young child back to the emergency room just to get checked on, but all signs are pointing to that child will be okay," according to the report.
Some good news on the child struck by the baseball at Minute Maid Park. @blummer27 just reported on AT&T SportsNet, "The family took the young child back to the emergency room just to get checked on, but all signs are pointing to that child will be okay."#khou #HTownRush #Astros
— The Bishop (@BillBishopKHOU) May 30, 2019
The Astros later released a statement addressing the incident.
The Astros released the following statement. Our thoughts are with the entire family. pic.twitter.com/f1VGVP1kiu
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 30, 2019
"The young fan that was struck by a foul ball during (Wednesday's) game was taken to the hospital," the statement read. "We are not able to disclose any further details at this time. The Astros send our thoughts and prayers to the entire family."