Having reported on fatal falls involving ballpark upper decks, I was particularly shocked to read minutes ago of a death involving a fan who fell 14 feet from a lower-level railing at Miller Park in Milwaukee.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Stuart Springstube of Weyauwega, Wis., tumbled face-first onto hard dirt while trying to catch foul balls during batting practice April 25. Milwaukee Brewers officials reported that the 51-year-old was cut but conscious, and moving all extremities as first responders removed him from the field. However, a brain hemorrhage subsequently hospitalized Springstube, who died Wednesday. A medical examiner's report released today gave no indication that Springstube, who was with several relatives at the time of the fall, was intoxicated. In fact, the report states he had not drunk alcohol in 15 years.
It leaves one to wonder if architects and security personnel can ever make ballparks absolutely safe for patrons without actually strapping them into their seats.
I'm heading to Miller Park tonight to see the Brewers open a three-game series against Philadelphia, which has faced its own security challenges this season. I'll let you know if the Brewers, who haven't played since Wednesday afternoon, at least acknowledge the loss of Stuart Springstube.
