The Minnesota Twins advise players before every season to not toss baseballs to fans in the stands, an action Thursday night by Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton that led to a man falling over the rail while reaching for the ball and dying.
"The Twins encourage our players not to throw baseballs into the stands, either to a fan in the front row or deeper into a group," said team General Manager Bill Smith. "Players at all levels are encouraged to hand the ball to a fan or give it to an usher to deliver to a fan."
That topic is addressed with the players by Smith every year at the start of spring training, along with other advice about various risky behaviors to avoid, such as gambling, said Twins Director of Communications Mike Herman.
That message notwithstanding, Twins players and coaches for years have been lobbing balls into stands before and during games just as uniformed personnel have done throughout the majors.
The Twins are not saying whether there will be any firmer delivery of the preseason message in light of the fan's death in Texas.
Major League Baseball said "we will carefully review this incident with our clubs to continue to ensure a safe environment for our fans."
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
