A paramedic had to be rushed to the hospital after he was struck by a hard-hit foul ball while sitting in the Houston Astros dugout during game two of the American League Championship series. The man, who was not identified, was hit in the head by a foul ball off the bat of Michael Brantley. Players were distraught and play was halted while the paramedic received medical attention. He was seen holding a towel over his head and had a large gash across his forehead.
"He was immediately taken to the hospital, evaluated and is currently in stable condition," said a statement from the Harris County Emergency Corp.
Players were shaken up by the incident and Brantley appeared to be holding back tears while Astros manager A.J. Hinch came out to try to calm him down. After the game, Brantley said he appreciated Hinch coming out to talk to him, but he wouldn't disclose what they discussed.
"I'll keep that between us," Brantley said. "I did appreciate it, though. My thoughts and prayers are with him, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family."
This is not the first time somebody has been injured by a foul ball at Minute Maid Park. On May 29,a two-year-old girl suffered a skull fracture when a foul ball struck her. That prompted Astros officials to extend protective netting around the field by over 550 feet. The netting does not protect the dugout.
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