MLB players, officials react to fan's horrific fall during Pirates game

 

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the city itself remain in somewhat of a state of shock after a fan fell from the outfield seats onto the field at PNC Park during Wednesday night's game against the Chicago Cubs.

The unidentified man was transported to Allegheny General Hospital after the incident, which delayed the game in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Pittsburgh Public Safety Department said Thursday morning the incident is being treated as an accident and the man remains hospitalized in criticial conditions. 

We are all deeply saddened and truly heartbroken after the terrible accident that occurred last night," Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement. "It was one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced. We are devastated. Pirates baseball is a community, and our fans are like family. In times like these, we must come together, support one another, and keep him and his loved ones in our prayers."

A somber mood pervaded both clubhouses after the game.

"Even though it's 350 feet away or whatever it is, the fact of how it went down ... laying motionless while the play is going on," visibly shaken Pirates manager Derek Shelton said in his postgame news conference.

He said the players and coaches in the dugout, along with the umpires, could all see what was going on at the time.

"It's extremely unfortunate. I mean, that's an understatement."

According to reporter Cassidy Wood of KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Shelton cut his press conference short after making the statement.

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen also offered words of support on social media after the game.

"Truly hate what happened tonight. Cant help but think about that guy, his family and friends. I pray tonight for him. Let us think about his loved ones and hug our families a little tighter tonight. I hope he pulls thru. May God Bless you all. Good night," McCutchen wrote on X, concluding with a praying hands emoji.

All we could do was just pray for a good, strong recovery for him and his family,” Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson said, according to Pittsburgh Baseball Now. “I have never been part of something like that before, and I hope I am never part of something like that again."