[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2pdjAk-eKY]
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman learned the dangers of being a professional pitcher Wednesday night when he took a line drive off the face in a spring training game. Chapman suffered facial fractures after getting hit above the left eye and his return is unknown. The game between the Reds and Kansas City Royals was called after Chapman’s injury.
It underscores why some changes are needed in baseball. Chapman has been clocked at throwing near 100 MPH. A pitch like that coming right back at him is likely moving 150-160 MPH. He is lucky that it wasn’t much, much worse and that he was conscious when he was taken off the field. The time has come for pitchers to be either wearing helmets or padded hats of some type. It wouldn’t have helped Chapman in this instance but another pitcher is going to be dealt a worse fate sooner than later.
Chapman will remain in the hospital for observation before the team decides on what course they want to take with their prized closer. It is something that no sports fan wants to see happen to anyone.
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Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Aroldis Chapman Hit By Line Drive [VIDEO]
