31
2011
From Left Field: Greg Dobbs Shows Remorse For Striking Fan With Foul Ball
An article by 
I’m not usually too keen on tipping my cap to players not wearing Mets uniforms, but this could not be overlooked.
In an incident that was sort of forgotten in the Mets doubleheader sweep of the Marlins two days ago, Marlins third baseman Greg Dobbs did something that transcends the sport.
In the ninth inning of the first, game Dobbs ripped a line drive into the first few rows along the first base line. The ball struck a child straight in the face.
The child was bleeding profusely and was hospitalized. The boy suffered a deep laceration, but there were no life threatening injuries.
Before being rushed to the hospital, the boy was showered with baseball souvenirs, including a jersey from Justin Turner and a game-used bat from Dobbs.
However, Dobbs caring for the boy’s well-being didn’t stop there.
Dobbs actually visited the hospital to check on the boy and talk with his parents. He gave the mom his number so she could give him updates throughout the night.
Dobbs also admittedly prayed for the boy’s health that night and wished him well.
Of course, hitting the ball into the stands is always a complete accident, and players hope that it avoids hitting anyone, especially children. But unfortunately, accidents do happen.
It was the way Dobbs handled this accident that showed there are more important things than baseball sometimes.
Good for you Dobbs and hopefully that boy winds up OK!
About the Author: Jim Mancari
Jim Mancari hails from Massapequa, N.Y. He recently earned a Master's degree in Journalism at Hofstra University. He is a devout Mets fan and takes pride in his team, despite their lack of success over the last few years. Like all Mets fans, Jim has plenty of hope. He also writes as the sports reporter for the Brooklyn Tablet newspaper and the senior editor of metroBASEBALL Magazine. Click my name to view my personal website.
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Wishing the kid the best in his recovery. Foul balls and flying bats in the stands always happens and people tried to get out of the way to avoid it.
What a caring thing for Dobbs to do. You don’t see that happen very often. I hope the boy continues to improve.
Amen! A lot of times parents don’t understand the danger sitting close to the field. With small or medium size children you never want to sit close or on top of the field. The higher seats give you a great view and a lot safer. If sitting low always bring a glove and stay alert at all times.
what an amazing person, feeling bad about injuring a child
You, sir, come off looking like an incredible douche!
if youa re impressed with dudes who feel bad about accidentally hurting children, then congratulations.
There are some good people left in this world, even in a Marlins uniform
Greg Dobbs just earned my total respect. Thanks, Greg. You showed that the game of baseball is more than just winning.
i think you should have been aware of that before
Thanks Greg for caring enough for a child to go the extra mile. You never know just what will come from this and I hope you continue to keep in touch with him.
Bless you.
Dobbs’s behavior knocked me out. In a sport filled with prima donnas who wouldn’t give you the time of day, Dobbs’s very human reaction deserves notice. The incident happened at Citi Field, Dobbs is a Marlin, and he proved that you don’t have to be a Met to be a mentsch. Perhaps even more impressive was the reaction of Jason Turner, who despite having nothing to do with the play sent the kid his jersey. He did it because he witnessed the accident from second base and was so shaken that he felt he had to do something. The odds are that Tejada will start next year at second but I hope Turner, who even before this incident has demonstrated that he’s a good guy and a solid, versatile player, sticks around.