The Dodgers have announced that, in accordance with the recommendations issued by Major League Baseball, the protective screen behind home plate will be extended to cover the seating areas to the near side of the dugouts – a distance of 70 feet from home plate.

The result will be an area of protection that will be somewhat similar to that of many minor league ballparks, including LoanMart Field – home of the Dodgers Advanced Single-A affiliate Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

The new safety netting at Dodger Stadium will be somewhat similar to the protection offered at LoanMart Field.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

While some may argue that extending the safety netting is yet another infringement on the 148-year history and tradition of Major League Baseball, it is impossible to argue that it will significantly reduce the number of fan injuries from line drive foul balls and flying baseball bats.