Majority of readers support Pirates' plan to extend netting at PNC Park

A majority of Tribune-Review readers think the Pittsburgh Pirates’ plan to extend the protective netting to the foul poles at PNC Park will make the environment at the games safer.

But there is a chunk of readers who believe the onus is on fans to pay attention to the action to avoid getting hit by a foul ball.

In a poll of 681 readers generated by CivicScience asking whether they supported the Pirates’ plan to extend the netting to the foul poles, 59% of poll-takers agreed with the decision, saying it will make for a safer environment.

But 27% of readers — 183 of the 681 — do not support the decision, believing fans should be paying more attention to the game.

The plan to extend the netting comes in the aftermath of an injury to a 2-year-old girl, who an attorney last week said suffered a skull fracture and a seizure when she was hit by a foul ball by the Cubs’ Albert Almora Jr. in Houston.

The Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers are among teams to also have made plans to extend the netting.

Commenters on the Trib’s Facebook page shared their opinions.

Jason Slonceski said he is “Not in favor of it. Pay attention.”

Michael Hoover said it will prevent him from attending games.

“I do not like it and will stop me from going to games,” he wrote. “That being said, the Pirates can do want they think is right.”

Some others believe the extended netting won’t affect the viewing experience.

“All the reasons against it are terrible,” Tim Snyder wrote. “This will not affect your view. This will save lives. How many more need to be severely injured/die for you to think it’s a good idea?”

And, of course, others couldn’t resist the elephant in the room.

”With all the empty seats, the odds of someone getting hit in PNC Park are getting slimmer,” Chuck Davis wrote.

The Pirates are averaging a little over 18,000 fans per home game, ranking 27th in the league ahead of only Baltimore, Tampa Bay and Miami.