Calling All Pediatricians: Join the Fight to Protect Children from Foul Ball Injuries
Are you a passionate pediatrician dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of children? Foul Ball Safety Now is forming a coalition of medical professionals to protect young baseball fans from the hazards of foul balls. The lack of netting in professional ballparks presents a critical safety issue that needs your expertise and advocacy.
This is an opportunity to challenge the dangerous status quo in many cities where ballparks put children at unnecessary risk of serious injury or death. Since 2008, at least 45 children have been seriously injured by foul balls, with the majority suffering head injuries. In the summer of 2023, two children were seriously injured by foul balls hitting their heads in minor league ballparks. We know of at least 70 professional ballparks that remain high risk environments for fans this season, particularly in the seats beyond the dugouts where netting is absent or insufficient, and where high-speed line-drive foul balls regularly reach the stands.
Now is the perfect time to push forward with collective action, and this is certain to generate publicity for compassionate pediatricians who pursue justice on this matter. The door is open to learn more and think creatively about how to make progress. Let’s start a dialog with other pediatricians concerned about baseball fan safety, especially those who are parents, since children face extreme risks and have suffered life-altering injuries from foul balls.
This role involves:
- Utilizing your medical expertise to champion child safety within the community and beyond.
- Advocating for the installation of protective netting in ballparks to prevent further injuries.
- Collaborating with other advocates to push for injunctive relief and ensure the swift enactment of safety measures.
Seize this opportunity to spearhead a landmark movement for safer sports environments. Together, we can make baseball a safer sport for all children.
This is not just a safety challenge; it's a call for disruptive change through public health advocacy and community engagement. It’s worthy of all of our time to finally put an end to these preventable injuries.
In 2019, ESPN highlighted this issue in a compelling 5-minute video (linked below) that clearly demonstrates the daily dangers fans face. It's time we come together to address this critical safety issue.
For a deeper understanding of the risks and our mission, review the following:
· An ESPN segment highlighting the serious risks posed by foul balls and bats: Watch Here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6tL0UTrQUw)
· A discussion at Ralph Nader’s American Museum of Tort Law, featuring attorney Greg Wilkowski and our founder, Jordan Skopp: View Event (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvMCrVLh9cg)
· www.foulballsafetynow.com Media page featuring high-profile articles about this campaign, including LA Times, Boston Globe, St. Louis Post-Dispatch and many print and broadcast stories by Illinois news outlets.
Job Type: Contract
Pay: $250.00 per hour
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Schedule:
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Work Location: Remote