It is called the Batter’s Eye. You can find one in every Major League Baseball Park and Stadium. But, the question is where are they located; and, what do they do?
Recently my son’s baseball team toured the Texas Ranger’s Ballpark in Arlington. As we walked onto the field, our Tour Guide ask the young players if they knew where the Batter’s Eye was located. Standing in the awkward silence I was glad he did not ask the parents that question.
Then with the skill of an old Storyteller, our Guide leaned into the circle we had formed around Home Plate and revealed to the location and purpose of the Batter’s Eye. He explained that if you look past the Pitcher’s Mound and above the Center Field fence you will see a large area of green grass. “That’s the Batter’s Eye,” he said in a whisper, “every big league ballpark has one, and they are all located in the same spot. They are extremely important and the Batters are thankful for them.”
“The purpose for the Batter’s Eye,” he continued with some steel in his voice, “is to give the Batter a clear and undistracted view of the baseball as it leaves the Pitcher’s hand. It is to protect the batter form being hit by a ball that he is not able to see or cannot immediately locate.”
Yes, Major League baseball players may use a blank background to gain clarity as to which pitch they will swing at – fastball or slow curve. As a Plumbing Company, our Batter’s Eye is a clear and undistracted working knowledge of the Safety Program and Safety Culture that each of us embrace. This Safety knowledge protects us from unforeseen and unknown distractions and mishaps that are part of our daily work. Our Batter’s Eye enables us to work with clarity and swing for the fences as we face whatever pitch our job site might throw at us.
David Applegate CHSO
Safety Manager
