Lightning kills ballplayers

[ShinySideUp]

If you hang out on eteamz, you know Mike_CVUA. He posted the link to this story: Last Night's Tragedy.

(Spotsylvania County, VA) -- A 12-year-old child is dead after being struck by lightning in Spotsylvania County Wednesday evening. According to the "Free Lance Star," Chancellor Middle School student Chelal Matos and a friend were both struck as strong storms moved through the area. Matos was pronounced dead shortly after he was taken to Mary Washington Hospital, the second child, who was airlifted to VCU Medical Center in Richmond, is said to be in "very grave, critical condition." The Sheriff's Office says the boys had been playing little league baseball at Lee Hill Park, when the game was stopped because of the weather. The boys were playing catch in the field under their parents' supervision when the lightning struck Matos and transferred to the other boy. Frank Albright, whose son plays on the little league team, says it all happened so quickly.

(Copyright © 2009 Metro Networks Communications Inc., A Westwood One Company) 6/4/09 6:44AM

WMAL Story http://www.wmal.com/Article.asp?id=1355075

I don't apologize for the cross-posting ... EVERY umpire needs to hear - and heed - this story!

[mstaylor]

I also posted the same subject this morning. I agree that all umpires need to see and understand the story so they don't make the same mistake. I met Larry (LMSANS )the other day when he was in town and we went to an adukt game where we got lightning. I wasn't happy with the way the crew handled the game. I felt they waited too long to suspend and went back too fast. Just because they are adults doesn't mean lightning can't kill you.

[bassfam11]

I also posted the same subject this morning. I agree that all umpires need to see and understand the story so they don't make the same mistake. I met Larry (LMSANS )the other day when he was in town and we went to an adukt game where we got lightning. I wasn't happy with the way the crew handled the game. I felt they waited too long to suspend and went back too fast. Just because they are adults doesn't mean lightning can't kill you.

What was the umpires mistake????

[mstaylor]

I worded it wrong. There was no umpire mistake, it was a parental mistake but I just wanted to remind my guys not to play with lightning.