Braves coach seriously injured by foul ball (updated)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar regained consciousness and was breathing on his own Wednesday afternoon, after being hit in the face by a foul ball during Atlanta’s 6-1 Grapefruit League loss to St. Louis.
Salazar, 54, was hit by a line drive off the bat of Braves catcher Brian McCann while standing in the dugout in the first inning of a game at Champion Stadium. He was unconscious for at least 20 minutes, and some players and others in the dugout feared he was dead.
He has multiple facial fractures and possible damage to his left eye, but doctors have ruled out brain damage, said a Braves spokesman. Salazary was able to answer doctors’ questions and was resting Wednesday night at Orlando Regional Medical Center, accompanied by his wife, Graciela, son Carlos, and by McCann.
“I’ve really never, in baseball, been through a situation where I felt it was a serious at the time,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said. “[We] just feel very fortunate and feel blessed that Luis is alive, and that he’s responding and able to communicate with his family and talk.”
McCann was so shaken by the incident that he left the game before the second inning. He went to the hospital with Braves doctor Joe Chandler and player development director Kurt Kemp.
Before they left for the hospital, a Florida State Trooper came to the Braves clubhouse to tell McCann that Salazar was breathing on his own again, and had regained consciousness during the Lifeflight helicopter ride to the downtown hospital.
“He was pretty torn up about it,” Braves third baseman Chipper Jones said of McCann. “I think we all were. At that point, we all would have been better served to probably go home. You really didn’t feel like playing after experiencing something like that.”
Salazar, a former major league player, is entering his first season in the Braves organization as manager of the high-Class A affiliate in Lynchburg, Va. He’s been in major league camp as a coach, and was standing near the railing in the Braves dugout with other coaches and players when a screaming line drive that hit him flush in the left side of his face.
Salazar fell from the fifth step and landed face-first on the dugout floor, his body limp from the moment the ball hit him. He bled extensively and was unresponsive.
“He was bleeding from [his nose] and his mouth, too,” Braves starting pitcher Rodrigo Lopez said. ” It was bad. I’ve never seen anything like that. It was real, real bad.”
Jones, on first base when the incident occurred, said it was the worst injury he’d seen.
“It was awful,” he said. “I knew that it hit him in the head. Obviously you worry about somebody’s life at that point. At that close a range. If you see it’s down in the jaw or the back of the head or something, that’s better than up around the eyes and the nose and the temple.
“I just … I wish I wouldn’t have looked. But I did. It was just hard to put into words. I’ve seen it one other time in my career, where a guy took a 90-mph pitch square in the nose, Danny Bautista in Atlanta. I thought that was the worst on-field injury that I’d ever seen, until today.”
Salazar lay motionless during a 14-minute delay in the game. He was attended to by medics and given oxygen. Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols said he could not bear to look in the dugout because he was told that Salazar wasn’t breathing.
Once the Lifeflight helicopter neared the Wide World of Sports complex, Salazar was moved by stretcher to an ambulance that had driven onto the field and waited in front of the dugout.
For an eerily quiet 14 minutes, Braves players, including McCann, stood by as Salazar was surrounded by team trainers, medics and security guards, and fans who sat in stunned silence.
At one point, one player turned away from the scene with his hand over his face.
“I was right behind him when it happened,” Lopez said. ” I saw him fall down and stay there. At first I was like, he’s going to be all right. Then I started to see bleeding and then he didn’t respond to anything the trainer was saying. Then I started to get scared and very nervous….
“Oh, man. It’s still scary. When I talk about it, I get chills.”
Jones said that he and others feared the worst as Salazar lay motionless on the dugout floor.
“A ball hit that hard, at that short a distance, can certainly kill somebody if it hits them in the right spot,” Jones said. “I’m so glad to hear that he’s conscious and breathing on his own. But, yeah, there were some times where there were some worried looks on the some paramedics’ faces.
“I looked at his chest to see if he was breathing, and right when I thought to look at this chest to see if he was breathing, one of the paramedics said, ‘Is he breathing?’ And he put his hand on his chest and said he was breathing really, really shallow. At that point you’re like, his life could be in danger.
“Baseball goes out the window when that’s the case.”
Wren said there were briefly discussions about whether to resume the game, but before the talks got very far, play had resumed.
“To be honest with you I think everyone was kind of in shock,” Wren said, “and all of a sudden the pitcher started throwing and everyone started playing again, and the game started rolling. But it was kind of in the midst of our discussion about what should we do. We were having those discussions and the game just, as it does, started up….
“The game took a real secondary position in all of our thoughts. I mean, to be honest with you I really don’t know what happened in the game, don’t know the details, I don’t know who pitched. From the time that happened, it really didn’t matter to me. I was more concerned that we were doing everything we could for Luis and his family, and trying to get updates and trying to find out exactly where things stood.”
Carlos Salazar, 31, was at the game and went to his mother’s hotel after Luis was airlifted to the hospital. A Braves official picked them up at the hotel and drove them to the hospital.
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139 comments Add your comment
McFann =Ô= =Ô=
March 9th, 2011
1:53 pm
Thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Salazar and to BMac as well!
Mark (another one)
March 9th, 2011
1:59 pm
Let’s hope the precautions were unnecessary and Coach Salazar recovers quickly.
BravesQueen
March 9th, 2011
2:02 pm
Sounds serious…unconcious and not breathing on his own for several minutes after being hit in the head.
My prayers are with Salazar and McCann.
SABER
March 9th, 2011
2:05 pm
Fingers crossed.
Is today’s game on internet radio? Thx…
tooquic
March 9th, 2011
2:10 pm
hope he’s not as serious as it sounds and he makes a quick recovery
mike
March 9th, 2011
2:11 pm
wow…hope he’s ok.
Clayton H
March 9th, 2011
2:13 pm
Praying that is not serious. Get better soon
Deedle Nick
March 9th, 2011
2:14 pm
@ BravesQueen
It didn’t say “not breathing on his own” for several minutes after being hit in the head.
USAFCCF
March 9th, 2011
2:15 pm
Sounds serious, I hope Salazar is OK. Prayers for him and his family….
Braves
March 9th, 2011
2:18 pm
Hang in there Luis
Paul
March 9th, 2011
2:23 pm
Deedle,
The quote of not breathing on his own came from an eyewitness who was interviewed on the radio. Evidently, he had started breathing on his own prior to being airlifted. Regardless, SCARY!
Ispeakbaseball
March 9th, 2011
2:25 pm
Gods speed coach Salazar!! May he give peace to b-Mac as well
Stan
March 9th, 2011
2:27 pm
Yikes! have to wear batting helmets in the dugout soon if this keeps up. Braves country is praying for you, Luis.
Outside Observer
March 9th, 2011
2:27 pm
Thoughts and prayers for the coach. As for B-Mac, hold your head up. It could have happened to anyone. Don’t let an accident dampen your spirits.Coach Salazar wants you swinging the bat hard every time.
Braves for life
March 9th, 2011
2:28 pm
Any time you use air lift its quite serious. My prayers are with both Salazar, his family and Brian.
julie
March 9th, 2011
2:31 pm
I hope all is ok with him. I am here at the game and the ball that hi him sounded like it hit the bat. Very scary. Nothing was said about his condition. We did not even know who was hit until looking on the internet.
Nera
March 9th, 2011
2:31 pm
Lots of prayers to Salazar, Brian, and the Braves – please let all be well.
Disbott 3000
March 9th, 2011
2:34 pm
A terrible, freak accident. I’m praying for Coach Salazar for healing and Brian McCann for peace of mind.
caddis
March 9th, 2011
2:35 pm
Hey Braves Queen,
What article did you read? Never said “unconscious or not breathing on his own for several minutes”. It stated, Salazar was motionless on the dugout floor before being attended to by medics and taken by stretcher to an ambulance that came on the field. Braves players and coaches stood by as Salazar was surrounded by team trainers, medics and security guards during a 14-minute delay in the game.
My prayers are with them as well, but not spread or fabriate the truth eh?
collegeballfan
March 9th, 2011
2:38 pm
Baseball is a dangerous sport.
EB
March 9th, 2011
2:38 pm
@caddis-Paul just stated that in a radio interview it was said that he wasn’t breathing on his own, she isn’t fabricating, just using different sources.
Glutton for Punishment
March 9th, 2011
2:42 pm
@ Caddis – the statement by Braves Queen came from the radio – That is what was said during the game…
Okefenokee Brave
March 9th, 2011
2:43 pm
caddis – read all the comments before commenting. The statement about not breathing for several minutes apparantly came from an eye witness who was interview, not from this article.
dean
March 9th, 2011
2:44 pm
Hoping for the best outcome.
J
March 9th, 2011
2:44 pm
caddis… “Unconscious and not breathing on his own” was an eyewitness account in a radio interview, not the article preceding the blog. I also heard the interview on XM. We’re not trying to stir up trouble, but some get their news from more than one source.
Roger
March 9th, 2011
2:45 pm
I hope and pray for Luis to have a speedy recovery. When is baseball going to realize that all the coaches and players really need to keep helmets on while in the dugout. It’s kind of like wearing a seat belt in a vehicle. You may only really need it once in a lifetime but that one time may save your life. I’m just sayin’.
BravesQueen
March 9th, 2011
2:46 pm
Thanks to those backing me up. I know what I heard…and evidently, the eyewitnesses knew what they saw.
2BT
March 9th, 2011
2:47 pm
also have heard ‘not breathing on his own’ from 680 The Fan in the past few segments.
Braves95WS
March 9th, 2011
2:48 pm
caddis…why are you so angry?
TheManMike
March 9th, 2011
2:56 pm
People – caddis is only making a comment based on this article and the comments that followed. Maybe they are not listening to the radio – maybe they are only getting their info from this article….get off his nuts….
BravesQueen
March 9th, 2011
3:00 pm
Well, there was no need to ASSume I was fabricating a story or spreading non-truth. That’s just rude.
Chris
March 9th, 2011
3:01 pm
A source would have been nice.
Braves95WS
March 9th, 2011
3:01 pm
TheManMike…not sure anyone is on “his nuts”
Ween
March 9th, 2011
3:03 pm
TheMAnMike – I think people are on Caddis’ nuts because he called someone a liar. Shouldn’t make accusations with consequences. Now let’s get on The”Man”Mike’s nuts….
dgfresh1
March 9th, 2011
3:04 pm
Hope McCann is alright
Andruw Jones
March 9th, 2011
3:04 pm
somebody was on my nuts once. I smiled
southern hope
March 9th, 2011
3:05 pm
Scary. and sad. I’m not always a praying person but I send out prayers on this one.
Philly Jim
March 9th, 2011
3:05 pm
From a Phils fan here. My thoughts and prayers are with Coach Salazar and his family. Godspeed
TheManMike
March 9th, 2011
3:07 pm
Chris – Exactly. If no source is provided, then it is always assumed the information is fabricated…this is not news.
Actually Braves95WS – you were…But it’s okay buddy, the sun will rise tomorrow.
bravos10
March 9th, 2011
3:11 pm
thoughts and prayers for Salazar his family and Mac.
Concerned Voice
March 9th, 2011
3:12 pm
Praying for him and Mac
TheManMike
March 9th, 2011
3:12 pm
Ween – I love how you follow up with another fabrication. Can you kindly show me where caddis called anybody anything?…
Braves95WS
March 9th, 2011
3:15 pm
TheManMike, do you have some SPECIAL feelings for caddis?
EB
March 9th, 2011
3:15 pm
How about let’s stop arguing like kindergarteners over who called who what, and worry about the issue from the article! Anyone heard any updates on his condition?
MGD
March 9th, 2011
3:15 pm
This can only happen during a boring “American” game. Nohing happens all the time, outfielders scratching their things, etc, etc. On the top of that – manager gets injured by the foul ball. What was he doing by not watching the game of the team he manages???? This could never happen during hockey, basketball, or soccer game…
Braves95WS
March 9th, 2011
3:16 pm
DOB just updated….Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar was unconscious for 20 or more minutes, but regained consciousness and is breathing on his own.
A Florida State Trooper came to the clubhouse to tell Brian McCann that Salazar was breathing on his own again and had regained consciousness. In the minutes after the incident, in the dugout the fear was that Salazar was dead.
EB
March 9th, 2011
3:19 pm
Oh my goodness, thanks Braves95WS. How scary!! Thank goodness he is conscious now and breathing on his own. And as for MGD-if you don’t like this “American Sport” then why are you even looking at articles that have anything to do with it? You might want to look at articles on American grammar, spelling, etc cause that post of yours was all jacked up! Just sayin.
TheManMike
March 9th, 2011
3:20 pm
Braves95WS – Actually, I have no idea who caddis is. BravesQueen offered information that was not included in the article and caddis appeared to be merely asking for some clarification…a link or something…and you folks decided to wig. So I said something.
TheManMike
March 9th, 2011
3:24 pm
Thanks for the update Braves95WS – I’m sure Brian was freaking out there for a bit.
Praying for this guy.
EB – oh save it. If anyone here didn’t care about this, Why would we even bother reading and commenting? Go to bed.
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
March 9th, 2011
3:27 pm
There should be a screen protecting every dugout. It’s a shame it takes something like this to drive the point home.
Hope Luis makes a quick and full recovery.
And Brian, obviously not your fault, just one of those unfortunate freak events that happen from time-to-time.
phil
March 9th, 2011
3:32 pm
I’m glad it seems Salazar will be ok. That said, the lack of a screen over the ENTIRE front of the dugout has long made no sense to me. I realize it affects the view and maybe even the experience for those in the dugout, but it’s a wonder things like this don’t happen every week frankly.
Disbott 3000
March 9th, 2011
3:32 pm
MGD, go to Hell. Someone’s life may be on the line and you’re making flippant, ignorant comments in what I can only assume is a terrible attempt at a joke.
TheManMike
March 9th, 2011
3:35 pm
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans & phil – Great points. I would imagine something could be utilized to allow for proper protection AND still allow for a good view with minimal obstruction.
…I just wonder what it will take for that to actually come to fruition…
Grayhath
March 9th, 2011
3:36 pm
Re-Read the first paragraph. When did this happen.
TheManMike
March 9th, 2011
3:40 pm
MGD – Cricket and soccer are much more boring. Not saying your a cricket fan, but your obviously not from around here…American sports like Baseball and Football are not for the meek. I’d like to invite you to pitch a game, and you can describe to me the sound of line drives whizzing by your face. Not so boring then…
Poorbrave
March 9th, 2011
3:50 pm
Why not a up-date from DOB are somebody………..My prayers for Coach and his Family. Also players and fans. You never know when its time to go…got to be ready.
Ed
March 9th, 2011
3:51 pm
As suggested perhaps its time to put up protective netting so accidents like this will not happen again.
Harry Callahan
March 9th, 2011
3:56 pm
MGD – Please get on the next plane or boat back the wherever it is you come from.
Disbott 3000
March 9th, 2011
3:58 pm
Well, most fields do have some king of protection, but they have opening in two or three places usually for players to be able to go in and out. However, perhaps they can put netted gates that swing only out towards the field at these access points. A bat boy could be assigned to hold the gate open for the players between innings so players don’t bottleneck at the dugout door, so to speak. It’s worth considering, I think.
sidslidkid
March 9th, 2011
3:58 pm
Poorbrave, this article has been updated several times. The headline even says “updated”.
Mark (another one)
March 9th, 2011
3:58 pm
DOB: Thanks for the update. Coach Salazar and his family are in my prayers. I know you will let us know as you learn more.
Alaska Braves Fan
March 9th, 2011
4:02 pm
Many absolutely correct comments. We all have to be deeply concerned for Luis and his family. Also, Brian must not walk away feeling as though he did something wrong or caused this unfortunate accident. If there are additional steps that can be taken to improve safety, and they make sense in the bigger picture, we should take those steps.
One comment Mark Lemke made was that this is an extremely rare occurrence. Balls seldom make it into the dugout at that velocity. Still, the outcome can be so serious, perhaps additional measures, such as a screen, are appropriate.
My thoughts are with both Luis and Brian.
ABF
joe
March 9th, 2011
4:17 pm
Never understood why they don’t have nets up on front of the dugout…maybe this incident will be a springboard for them.
Eyewitness
March 9th, 2011
4:20 pm
My apologies to everyone who was confused by my earlier statement. I was in the stands right over the dugout, and I did witness the entire event (although I did not actually see Coach Salazar being struck by the ball because my view was obscured).
I was interviewed about 30 minutes after the helicopter left the field, and I made a statement that combined the fact (my observation) that he was unconscious with other speculation that he did not breathe on his own without the emergency oxygen. I regret the misstatement, and my prayers go out the Salazar family.
Brave New World
March 9th, 2011
4:23 pm
Thoughts and prayers to Luis and his family.
Poorbrave
March 9th, 2011
4:24 pm
sidslidkid…the last up-date was at 1:48. I knew someone would have something smart to say.
It was not meant bad to DOB..I know DOB is probably right there. Just praying for his health.
Einsteindawg
March 9th, 2011
4:26 pm
R Lopez = Albie Lopez
Poorbrave
March 9th, 2011
4:29 pm
Ok its on Twitter..thanks DOB
Kimmer
March 9th, 2011
4:29 pm
“Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar regained consciousness and was breathing on his own THURSDAY AFTERNOON, after being hit by a line-drive foul ball during Atlanta’s Grapefruit League game against St. Louis”
Wow, so he got hit so hard it knocked him into the next day!!!!
I do hope he is alright. Conscious and breathing is a good sign.
mexican brave
March 9th, 2011
4:30 pm
my prayers are with luis salazar & brian mccann
IWasThereToo
March 9th, 2011
4:31 pm
The updates are a relief to read, up to this point. Here’s to hoping that Mr. Salazar can recover soon.I was up in the stands over 3rd base when the incident happened. Not only saw it, but heard the sickening thud across the field. Suddenly, the score of the ballgame didn’t matter so much. We hurt for Brian McCann as much as we did for the coach.
ramblingman
March 9th, 2011
4:39 pm
themanmike, if you are going to go so far out of your way to defend anyone, why would it not be the first person who was gone after, instead of the offender? Just seems strange. Okay fine, no source was provided when Braves Queen was talking about an incident that has obviously shocked a lot of people here.
But you must admit that caddis’ response was a bit on the strong side. No, he was not – how did you put it? – asking for clarification. He accused her of fabricating the truth, which is known in nearly all circles as calling someone a liar, which you attacked someone for saying, but it’s what happened.
You are the one who kept blowing this up. You were the one who “decided to wig.” I would suggest you let it go. Caddis got his deserved hand spank and people were willing to move on but you have brought the hammer to the horse’s funeral.
Oregon Brave
March 9th, 2011
4:50 pm
Joe- This won’t spring board anything. Remember Bobby in the dugout in Miami with a catcher’s mitt for protection? If they don’t protect the players and coaches in a MLB park, why would they spend the money to do it at a Spring Training facility? Go Braves.
iTiSi
March 9th, 2011
4:51 pm
The next thing that will happen will be a player or coach being seriously injured, possibled killed, by one of those broken-bat pieces. Then they will look back and say, “something should have been done”! Some of those pieces of “flying missiles” are sharp enough to enter someone’s chest and pierce the heart. The idea that requiring a mesh or wire screen in front of all dugouts will stop the bats and the balls. Also, where the stands are open along the first and third base lines to protect fans from the bats(and balls) going into the stands. Maybe a multi-million dollar lawsuit will get MLB’s attention! Being proactive beats being reactive 9 times out of 10.
iTiSi
March 9th, 2011
4:53 pm
“Possibled”? where did that come from. Should be “possibly” in my last post.
how2fish
March 9th, 2011
5:02 pm
best of luck Coach!
fred
March 9th, 2011
5:20 pm
Three braves having a bad ST. Just saying
Schafer 182 avg..obp 206 slg..212
Mather 150 avg.obp 227 slg 200
Conrad 118avg..obp 167 slg 176
Some may be going back to AAA are home.
Praying for Coach and family.
McCann Fan
March 9th, 2011
5:23 pm
Hope Coach Salizar is ok and hope Mac isn’t effected mentally
bravesbobblehead24
March 9th, 2011
5:25 pm
I pray all is well with Salazar
Liz Jennings
March 9th, 2011
5:46 pm
I just got home from the game and the whole stadium stood in eery silence while they attended to the coach. Many of the players knelt and prayed and most just couldn’t look toward the dugout. We will continue to pray for Coach Salazar.
Wise Enhymer
March 9th, 2011
5:58 pm
I hope he gets the ball signed.
Bubba
March 9th, 2011
6:02 pm
Everybody is jumping on the bandwagon to put protection in front of the dugouts after one person gets hit with a ball. Batters get hit every week so maybe they should put some kind of protection around the batters box. Then we could totally enclose the playing field with a screen like the one behind home plate. Some of you folks are going overboard on safety..
MIBravesFan
March 9th, 2011
6:05 pm
My thoughts and prayers are also with Mr. Salazar, and Brian too.
Chip
March 9th, 2011
6:15 pm
Batting helmets will not protect a shot to the face Put up fences only solution !!
smarterthanbubba
March 9th, 2011
6:15 pm
Not that shocking that someone who calls himself Bubba would be an idiot.
J-Smoove
March 9th, 2011
6:16 pm
Get well soon Coach Salazar! I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers. Hang tough B-Mac… I’m keeping you in my prayers as well. GO BRAVOS!!!!
Mitchell
March 9th, 2011
6:19 pm
This is why baseball players aren’t wusses as football fans would have you believe.
Football players bodies are capable of being used as weapons but baseball is actually played with deadly weapons.
It’s amazing how guys can walk away from getting hit by a 90 mile an hour fastball and take their base when the average person would probably need to be hospitalized.
I mean, Tyler Colvin took the jagged edge of a bat to his chest for crying out loud.
It’s a dangerous game.
Hit A Single
March 9th, 2011
6:39 pm
In the new stadiums the bleachers and dugouts are way too close to the playing field. I know you want the fans on top of the action, but it is not safe at all. It is really fortunate that a fan hasn’t been killed by a foul ball or bat. They need nets from dugout to dugout. My thoughts and prayers are with all the Braves family that is involved.
pfunkatl2
March 9th, 2011
6:49 pm
NOT a religious person, but I DID pray for Salazar, and feel DEEPLY for Brian. When I was a kid I hit a liner up the middle and hit my sister(who was pitching) SMACK in the face. She was ok, lucky I was not that good…scared the HELL outta me though…
I know Brian is feeling terrible, but it was not his fault. Showed TRUE class by going to the hospital with him. I will always be a “McFann” now, even if he hits .220 with 5 HRs.
Wise Enhymer
March 9th, 2011
6:51 pm
If you’ve been injured in an accident, call the law firm of &%#*@ & @$&$# at 1 (800) XXX-XXXX. Our attorneys are experienced in all kinds of accidents. From traffic accidents to workers comp, our firm will get the settlement you deserve or there is no charge to you.
OldTimer
March 9th, 2011
7:14 pm
When you’re that close you simply have to keep your eyes on the ball. No exceptions.
Jimmy
March 9th, 2011
7:23 pm
Cold front moving through South Georgia tonight. Should be down with DOB in the morning. Hope they can get the game in.
Thank God for the news on Salazar. And I’m for netting from the end of the dugout to the end of the other dugout. Makes me remember Coolbaugh.
FEAR
March 9th, 2011
7:26 pm
This is awful. Hope he recovers. BMac must feel terrible. It was an accident though.
David O'Brien
March 9th, 2011
7:36 pm
Jimmy, it’s POURING here at the stadium right now. Just wrapping up work here, and it started coming down torrential-style.
pfunkatl2
March 9th, 2011
7:40 pm
having lived MANY years in FL, I can ATTEST to those TORRENTIAL rains…however they usually don’t last long.
DawgDad
March 9th, 2011
7:44 pm
Good luck and speedy recovery Coach!
Baseball is a dangerous sport for players, coaches and even fans. We’re lucky more kids are not seriously injured with aluminum bats and the short rec league fields they play on. With two boys, I’ve seen some serious injuries over the years, more in baseball than the other sports. Heads up is always good advice around the field, but often not enough. One boy was walking outside the fence between fields and was hit by a line drive to the back of his head. The injury required surgery and a steel plate.
DanFan
March 9th, 2011
7:48 pm
Good work getting the quotes and updating the story, David. Thanks.
IWasThereToo
March 9th, 2011
7:49 pm
DOB, I’ve got to thank you for your continuing coverage of this story. I was checking it from my seat at the stadium today, just to see who had been involved. We couldn’t tell. Then, we monitored your updates all afternoon and into our dinner tonight. Appreciate the good work on a story that matters!
DHD
March 9th, 2011
7:50 pm
My prayers go out to Coach Salazar, his family, McCann and the Braves. I pray that God be with all of them and bring about a quick recovery.
McFann Ô Ô
March 9th, 2011
7:57 pm
pfunk I know Brian is feeling terrible, but it was not his fault. Showed TRUE class by going to the hospital with him. I will always be a “McFann” now, even if he hits .220 with 5 HRs.
Gene
March 9th, 2011
7:58 pm
I was sitting on the third base side in the second level and saw the ball hit Salazar in the face and bounce back on the field. Apparently the organization knew he had survived, but nobody at the game knew that, and the game announcer never acknowledged that anything had happened. I assumed the worst until I got back to the motel and checked the Braves’ website about 4:30 It was a terrible thing. I wish Salazar a quick recovery, and I am glad, for McCann and Salazar, that it wasn’t worse.
bucky oneil
March 9th, 2011
8:02 pm
Prayers are with Coach Salazar and his family.
predsjack fom Smashville
March 9th, 2011
9:02 pm
Luis, praying for you and your family for strength and healing.
IWasThereToo
March 9th, 2011
9:20 pm
Gene, I was bothered by the same thing today. Kept wondering when they would give some small statement about what was happening. I would imagine some of it was purely from wanting his family to have a chance to get in the loop. But after a while, they could have told us something.
Bravo
March 9th, 2011
9:23 pm
Echoing Gene. Was at the game three rows behind home on the Braves dugout side and as I looked to the right when the ball was fouled off, I saw a row of Braves on the top step, heard the sickening sound of the ball hitting and then saw him fall but not land. DOB’s tweets and the news online was all we got. The 7th inning stretch would have been a great time to let the crowd know Luis was breathing on his own and had vitals; with something as serious as this, that was a real miss that the announcer didn’t take that opportunity to let people know.
Amber
March 9th, 2011
10:27 pm
Thanks for the good update.
Kathy Loula
March 9th, 2011
10:31 pm
Prayers are the only key to healing. My son was hit in eye while pitching behind L screen. Over a year ago. It broke his eye bone in 9 places. Long story but he survived and healed with friends and familys prayers. He is a miracle!!! Greatest news he was released from doctors and is still pitching.
Kathy Loula
March 9th, 2011
10:40 pm
My prayers are with Salazar and his family as well as the Braves team!!
In Fredi I Trust
March 9th, 2011
11:06 pm
Unreal, what a horrible accident that was. So glad that he is conscious and talking with everyone. That would have been a huge tragedy for the Braves organization.
Get well soon Coach Salazar.
UKUGA
March 9th, 2011
11:41 pm
Would’ve been a good day for a rain out.
Praying for Coach Salazar and his family.
Dontavius Supremo
March 10th, 2011
7:33 am
Our prayers are with Coach and his family as well as Brian. May God bless them all.
I feel
March 10th, 2011
7:49 am
Get better Coach Salazar
bravesgrl4life
March 10th, 2011
8:39 am
Glad to hear Salazar is going to be okay. Facial fracture and eye problems are not easy, but better than what could have been. Get well soon, Coach!
Wes
March 10th, 2011
9:03 am
accidents happen Brian, hang in there! and get well ASAP Mr. Salazar!
Braves Coach Knocked Unconscious - SoWal Beaches Forum
March 10th, 2011
9:29 am
[...] Braves Coach Knocked Unconscious Braves coach seriously injured by foul ball (updated) | Atlanta Braves [...]
gw
March 10th, 2011
10:04 am
Remember how Bobby used to wear a catcher’s mitt in some parks (FL)? Definitely a need for netting at some of these ball parks.
RichieRich86
March 10th, 2011
10:09 am
I was at the game and believe me scariest thing I’ve seen. I was sitting in the lawn right behind 3rd base and we all saw the ball come off McCann’s bat screaming into the Braves duggout and hit Mr. Salazar. Man I can’t pray enough what a horrible incident to happen in a baseball game. It does happen that’s why I strongly stress if you ever go to a baseball game PAY ATTENTION to the game!!! Be careful because you are not that safe at a baseball game. Bring a glove or something…. Praying for Coach Salazar’s family and hopefully this doesn’t destroy McCann’s mentality!! Hard thing to have to go through.
connie
March 10th, 2011
10:10 am
Sending lots of prayers to Salazar and family and BMac ~!! We love you all !!
timthebrave
March 10th, 2011
10:23 am
Very scary. My prayers go out to him and his family….It’s one of the few times where you are hoping it’s only a concussion
Ed
March 10th, 2011
10:43 am
I got hit in the face by a foul ball in high school when I was in the on-deck circle. It broke my jaw and cost me my junior season. But even when I came back, I thought about it every time I stepped in the box. It bothered me. Hope Mac can move past this. Terrible thing.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
March 10th, 2011
10:47 am
I wish all the best for Salazar. He was one of the best introductions that the late Harry Carey ever had.
OldFan
March 10th, 2011
10:47 am
Anyone who’s been around baseball, in the stands or on the field, has seen this kind of thing “almost” happen. But when it really does, it sure is scary. Great to see so many hopes and prayers for Salazar’s recovery and McCann’s peace of mind.
McCannfan
March 10th, 2011
10:54 am
My prayers go out to the entire Braves team but especially coach Salazar, his family and Brian. This kind of thing, while accidental, shakes you to the core.
Tami
March 10th, 2011
11:11 am
You know…I’m glad Luis is OK. I can’t imagine witnessing something so horrific in person. I think we all know how VERY dangerous a game Baseball can be at times. As much as I love to be seated near home plate, the outfield at Turner Field still yields terrific views without the danger. In my humble opinion, yesterday’s game should have been called. I only hope that there won’t be any long-term complications for him. I wish there was a way to protect those in the dugout, but in doing so, that protection could end up a liability for those fielding fouled hits, etc. Sighhh….maybe those in the dugout should wear a helmet too?
PhilliesPhan
March 10th, 2011
11:14 am
All the best coach. Get better soon.
AmVet
March 10th, 2011
11:24 am
Hang tough, Luis and the Braves family. We’ll cheer like the crazed fans we are when you get back in the dugout!
Steven Lemon
March 10th, 2011
11:29 am
I am glad Mr Salazar is ok, but I can’t figure out how this could happen if you are, as everyone in the park is supposed to be doing, keeping your eye on the ball.
David O'Brien
March 10th, 2011
11:31 am
Steven Lemon: That ball was hit too hard for anyone to react to. As Pendleton said, any of them standing there, yesterday, today, tomorrow, could have the same thing happen any time on a ball hit that hard. Especially coaches, who don’t have quite the reflexes they once had.
Marie
March 10th, 2011
11:38 am
Steven Lemon – you’ve got to be kidding?????
Prayers to Coach Salazar and his family.
itpdude
March 10th, 2011
11:38 am
This kind of incident may screw up McCann’s hitting. Seriously. I hit a dog one time with a line-drive and it took me a few weeks before I could hit well again. I can only imagine a human.
The dog was fine, but it shook me up.
Cranberry
March 10th, 2011
11:50 am
My prayers are with him, and with Brian………..
Joe
March 10th, 2011
12:46 pm
who is Lopez? he/she is mentioned twice without a first name.
BravesFans
March 10th, 2011
12:52 pm
I send my very best wishes to the coach.
I have always wondered why they do not put a protective short screen, like behind home plate in front of the dugouts, for things just like this.
Nacho daddy
March 10th, 2011
1:46 pm
Too many players/coaches in dugout during spring training games.
Get Well Coach Salazar
March 10th, 2011
2:22 pm
May God put his healing hands upon Coach Salazar. Thoughts and prayers go out to him and Brian.
Ralph
March 10th, 2011
2:34 pm
There is a simple and inexpensive way to protect players and coaches in the dougout if MLB wanted to fix the problem and they should.
.
Boogie Boggs
March 10th, 2011
4:11 pm
This is so scary for everyone there and their families–PLUS ALL of baseball. Accidents do happen, and I am so terribly sorry for Coach Salazar & family, the Braves players and organization. However, I am really concerned for BMAC because it is so terribly difficult to push something out of your mind. I pray for healing for the coach and for a peaceful mind and heart for BMAC. Everyone please lift all of these people up in prayer for all the impications and thoughts that they will be dealing with. God’s Mercy and Grace on ALL of you!!!!
Roger/Joyce Rutledge
March 11th, 2011
6:36 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Salazar family and pray that Mr. Salazar makes a full recovery…
Braves coach airlifted to hospital after line drive into dugout | MLB Blitz
March 14th, 2011
2:00 am
[...] league manager immediately fell from the railing where he was standing and players in the dugout tell David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that they believed Salazar was dead. Salazar was later airlifted to a hospital in nearby Orlando [...]