In a scary incident during the Marlins game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Miami third base coach Jody Reed sustained a fractured lower right leg after being struck by a foul ball off the bat of Jesús Sánchez.
The accident occurred during the third inning of the game, which ultimately ended in a 6-4 victory for the Cardinals.
Fans at LoanDepot Park recounted the unfortunate moment when the foul ball struck Reed. Medical staff rushed to his aid immediately, and he was subsequently taken to a nearby medical facility for further evaluation and treatment.
“It was a scary sight,” said one fan seated near the incident. “You could hear the crack of the bat, and then the ball just hit Coach Reed square on his leg. We all held our breath as he went down, hoping it wasn’t too serious.”
Following the unfortunate injury, Marlins quality control coach Griffin Benedict stepped up to fill Reed’s position for the remainder of the game. Benedict, a seasoned coach with ample experience, took over the responsibilities, ensuring that the team continued with their best foot forward despite the setback.
The Marlins organization, along with fans and players, expressed their concern and well-wishes for Jody Reed’s speedy recovery. The incident served as a reminder of the dangers coaches and players face on the field, with foul balls posing a risk at any given time.
Reed, known for his stellar playing career spanning 11 years from 1987 to 1997, was a formidable force at the plate during his time as a player.
With an impressive batting average of .270, 27 homers, and 392 RBI, he showcased his skill and dedication to the sport. Following his playing days, Reed ventured into coaching, managing in the minor leagues for prestigious teams like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers before eventually finding his place with the Miami Marlins.
“Jody Reed is a true baseball veteran, and his presence has been invaluable to the team,” Marlins Manager Skip Schumaker said.
“We are devastated by the injury, and our primary focus is on his recovery and well-being. Our thoughts are with him, and we look forward to having him back on the field once he’s fully healed.”
Marlins Manager Skip Schumaker says Third Base Coach Jody Reed broke his leg today. He took a line drive foul ball off of it during the game. He will be out and Miami will have to replace him.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) July 19, 2023
The Marlins community rallied around Reed, offering words of encouragement and support for Reed.
As the news of the accident spread across the league, players and coaches from various teams also extended their heartfelt wishes for Reed’s swift recovery, exemplifying the camaraderie and respect within the baseball community.
Reed is a tough guy and it seems like he’ll fortunately be perfectly fine.
What is the worst accident you remember happening on a baseball field?