Fresno Grizzlies fans weigh-in on safety in the stands

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The chance to catch a foul ball is what lures millions of baseball fans to ballparks every day, that includes Fresno Grizzlies fans.

Grizzlies officials said, however, it's important for fans to be aware of potential hazards at ball games. But, fans said sometimes they just get caught up in the excitement.

At Wednesday's Grizzlies game, Mike Fontenot lost his grip on the bat and sent it flying into the stands. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but that's just one of the many risks fans take out at the ball park, another is catching foul balls.

Texas Rangers fan Shannon Stone was attempting that Thursday in Arlington, TX. Sadly, he lost his life after falling over the rails.

"This was a freak accident, it is something that people have to be aware of and not something that's going to happen very often," Grizzlies spokesperson Noah Frank said .

Ushers at Chukchansi Park are trained to keep an eye out for fans that get too close to the edge. Like most other baseball stadiums, some seats at the Chuk sit just inches away from low-rise railings on the upper deck.

"The railings are low, but I guess they have to do that for visibility," Grizzlies fan Michael Carli said. He's still hoping to catch a coveted foul ball souvenir. "Last season, my son and I both had opportunities and they literally just went off [my fingertip]."

Some fans said, unfortunately, safety isn't always a first thought when going after a foul ball. "We tend to be very careful, but sometimes the enthusiasm and emotion of catching a foul ball kind of gets in your way of safety," Grizzlies fan Tim Hamel said.

Signs are posted around the stands warning of potential hazards. Grizzlies officials said they hope fans take notice.

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