Texas Rangers Raise Barriers Following Fan's Death

The Texas Rangers has announced Tuesday it will raise the height of railings at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The announcement comes after the tragedy of a 39-year-old man who fell over the present rails to his death as he tried to catch a ball.

A statement released by the team said, “Even though all current rail heights in Rangers Ballpark in Arlington currently exceed code, the Rangers intend to raise the height of all rails in front of seating areas to the highest standard in the United States at this time.”

Until the new railings are installed a warning will be announced prior to each game through the public address system, and new signs will be put up around the stadium telling fans not to lean, sit or stand on the rails.

Shannon Stone fell to his death on July 7 after outfielder Josh Hamilton threw a souvenir ball into the stands. The veteran firefighter leaned over the railings to try and catch the ball but lost his balance and fell.

Almost exactly a year ago on July 6, 2010 another man fell at Rangers Ballpark as he tried to catch a foul ball; he survived, although he suffered a fractured skull.

Rangers CEO and President Nolan Ryan released a statement saying, “The safety of our fans is our top priority. The initiatives we are announcing today for Rangers Ballpark in Arlington will help to ensure that we meet that priority.”