Commissioner Rob Manfred said an extension of protective netting at ballparks will be discussed at this offseason’s owner’s meetings.
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Fan safety has moved toward the top of the owners’ agenda after numerous instances this year in which fans were injured by either foul balls or broken or flying bats.
Despite his lack of confidence of an easy solution, Manfred said team owners would discuss the issue when they convene in Texas next month.
Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner, announced that the organization he represents wants a major league team to play on the island a preseason game in 2016, as part of the approach is happening in nearly all levels between Cuba and the U.S., where baseball wants to prominence. He met again with Manfred in September regarding reinstatement.
In 1989, the Reds and Phillies great agreed to a ban after allegations arose that he bet on baseball games, including on ones involving the Cincinnati Reds, the team he managed.
Manfred joked that the process of instituting new rules can be “unwieldy” given the need for cooperation from the union. “I’m not telling you that this is coming December 30 or whatever”.
“The end of the year is my deadline”, Manfred said.
“There will be dialogue on that topic with this group this week. There will be dialogue with the owners next week and we will continue our conversations with the MLBPA on this topic”, Manfred said.
“As evidenced by our Joint Domestic Violence Policy, Major League Baseball understands the seriousness of issues surrounding domestic violence, and our policy explicitly recognizes the harm resulting from such acts”, MLB officials said in a statement.
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Tampa Bay hopes with a change in members following this year’s election, the St. Petersburg City Council will allow the team to explore other sites in the area for a new ballpark. The league said Tuesday it has started to look into the “facts and circumstances”.
