Atlanta Braves History: Luis Salazar Hit in Face with Foul Ball

For all of the concern about foul balls and bat flying into the stands, the dame safety concerns exist in a Major League dugout. On this day in 2011, Atlanta Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar learned that the hard way when he was hit in the face with a foul ball.

For all of the attention that is generated about foul balls and pieces of bats flying into the stands, the same dangers exist in a Major League clubhouse. While the game has legislated netting around the area behind the dugouts, the entrance to the dugout itself is unprotected.

Virtually every game, one sees a foul ball head that way, landing inside the bench area. On those hard hit line drives, the players and coaches scatter, ducking for cover from the incoming missile. But just as fans are not paying attention to the action on the field at all times, the same can happen within the dugout. Sometimes, a player and coach are discussing something from the game, or a mechanical adjustment, leading to distraction.

When that happens, some dangerous situations can present themselves. That happened on this day in 2011, when Atlanta Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar was drilled in the face by a Brian McCann line drive. It was a frightening scene as Salazar immediately collapsed and passed out, bleeding profusely. He was transported via helicopter to a nearby hospital as the team feared the worst.

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Although trainers initially feared for Salazar’s life, he regained consciousness in the hospital. However, he was not out of the woods yet, as he needed surgery for multiple facial fractures and damage to his left eye. Doctors were unable to save that eye, but Salazar pulled through without any brain damage, which was also expected given the nature of the way he was hit.

This incident did not deter Salazar from coaching. He was released from the hospital on March 17, a surprisingly short amount of time given the nature of his injuries. On April 15, to the largest crowd in 20 years for a home opener, Salazar was back on the field, managing once again.

It was a miraculous escape for Salazar, all things considered. It also makes one wonder if netting or some sort of barrier is needed between the dugout and the playing field, protecting those players and coaches who are focusing on adjustments and scouting reports instead of the action on the field.

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The Atlanta Braves narrowly escaped tragedy when Luis Salazar was hit in the face with a foul ball. Fortunately, he recovered, but it makes one wonder if more protection should be available around the dugout.