Imagine tracking that ball and then ... LIGHTS OUT.
We’ve seen several teams across Major League Baseball upgrade their stadium lights to an LED system that allows for impromptu light shows whenever a home run gets hit. In theory, it’s a cool idea. The NBA and NHL have been doing pregame light shows for years, so good on these MLB teams for finding a way to add some flair to the in-game experience.
But if you’re going to turn the stadium lights off, let’s make sure the baseball actually lands beforehand.
I’m looking at you, Dodgers.
During Monday’s game against the Mets, Max Muncy hit a go-ahead home run in the sixth inning off David Peterson before the Mets ultimately rallied to win the game. The ball traveled 433 feet and had an exit velocity of 108 mph. Like, fans would ideally want to be able to see as a projectile barrels towards them at that speed.
WOW, MAX. pic.twitter.com/ugXzOVd6Pw
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 18, 2023
Yet, the Dodger Stadium lights turned off before the ball landed.
YEEESH THAT WENT SO FAR BUT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT SO I COULDN’T SEE IT LAND https://t.co/u03IJbD2mp
— Walker Buehler (@buehlersdayoff) April 18, 2023
Hopefully, nobody was hurt from that premature light show. It’s a new feature at Dodger Stadium, sure, but the light operator really has to wait for the ball to land. That’s just basic safety.
Fans all noticed that the lights went off early too, and they were pretty alarmed.
