KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Umpire Brian O’Nora was released from a hospital Wednesday after suffering a cut on his forehead and a mild concussion from a shattered bat during Tuesday’s game. He did not work the Rockies’ series finale for precautionary reasons.
It was the latest incident to bring into focus the hazards of maple bats. Major League Baseball’s safety and health committee commissioned a study Tuesday on the dangers of broken bats. The committee is continuing to meet on a staff-to-staff level this week, diligently collecting data before deciding whether to recommend banning maple bats. That action would require players’ union approval.
In talking to bat companies, the committee wants to determine which roles the quality of wood, the length-to-weight ratio and handle thickness play in the broken bats. Maple has grown increasingly popular among players in the past six years because the bats are harder and don’t flake during batting practice.
“The maple ones just explode when they break. And it definitely seems like it’s happening a lot more this season,” Rockies outfielder Willy Taveras said. “I hope they don’t take them away, but if they believe it will make the game safer, I understand.”
O’Nora was the victim of a scary accident in Tuesday’s second inning. On a groundball to shortstop, Royals catcher Miguel Olivo’s maple bat shattered, striking O’Nora in the head.
After a 13-minute delay O’Nora was replaced behind the plate by a member of his crew.
Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba was relieved Wednesday when informed of O’Nora’s condition. The accident left Torrealba feeling nauseous.
“That’s the first time I have ever seen anything like that and hopefully the last time,” Torrealba said.
