Yankees Fan Claims Injury from Falling Concrete at Dodger Stadium, Team Looking into Incident
The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently investigating an incident after a fan claimed he was struck by falling concrete at Dodger Stadium during a recent game against the New York Yankees. The fan, identified as Ricardo Aquino, a Yankees supporter, described being hit by the debris, with a photo of him holding the piece of concrete being shared by The Athletic. In an interview with The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, translated by another fan, Alvaro Baeza, Aquino mentioned that he was experiencing some discomfort but fortunately did not sustain any significant injuries. Baeza conveyed Aquino’s remarks, stating, “He’s in some pain, but all it was, was the hit. He’s not bleeding, but he’s in some pain.”
The Dodgers released a statement to Kuty acknowledging that they are “aware of the report” and are currently in the process of gathering more details about the situation. According to Kuty’s report, the incident took place during the third inning in an area situated between home plate and first base. Aquino promptly received medical attention and was attended to by stadium security personnel as well as a law enforcement officer. A fellow fan, Jessica Coria, who was seated in the row in front of Aquino, shared with Kuty her initial thoughts that someone may have thrown an object. Coria recalled, “I thought someone had thrown something and then I was like, ‘We should get security,’ and then (Aquino) showed us the rock, and it was clearly from the stadium that fell on him.”
Since 2013, Dodger Stadium has seen several upgrades and renovations, including a recent complete overhaul of the home clubhouse during the last offseason. However, there has been no specific mention of enhancements to areas where concrete is visibly present. Dating back to its opening in 1962, Dodger Stadium holds the title of being the third-oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball. The only two stadiums that surpass Dodger Stadium in age are Fenway Park (1912) and Wrigley Field (1914), making it a historic venue within the league.