Projo Sox Blog

BY KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - As Sean Casey took batting practice tonight, it became obvious that Tropicana Field was never built with baseball in mind.

Casey lined a few pitches into the gaps in left and right-center field but towards the end of his turn in the cage he lofted a high fly ball to right that appeared headed for the seats. However, the ball caromed off a catwalk high above the field and fell into right field.

Three catwalks encircle the entire domed stadium and sit above both the outfield and infield. They are in play. If an apparent home run hits the metal runway and fall down into the field of play, the ball is live. The same for an infield pop up.

"We hope nothing like that happens, but things happen here," said Sox manager Terry Francona.

Four times in Tropicana Field history a fair ball has hit the catwalk and not come down. Two of the hitters were Red Sox and both occurred this season. On Sept. 15 Jason Bay was robbed of a long hit. Two days later David Ortiz had a long fly ball that clearly was going to be a home run disappear in the rafters.

"You remember that? That's crazy,'' said Ortiz.

 Tags  David Ortiz Jason Bay

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