There was a very scary incident during the Cubs-Marlins game this past Sunday. You can watch the video by clicking here. Tyler Colvin was the runner on third base, when Wellington Castillo hit a line drive into the left field corner. Normally on a play like this, there is no danger for the runner on third base, as he can just jog home and score easily. On this play, Wellinton's bat broke, and a piece of it hit Colvin in the chest, right under the clavicle. Colvin was watching the ball to see if it would be fair or foul, and did not see the broken bat flying towards him. The puncture wound caused by the broken bat allowed air to enter the pleural cavity, basically trapping air in the space between the lung and chest wall, causing a pneumothorax. If not treated immediately, the lung on the side of the injury will collapse, resulting in pain, difficulty breathing, and a lack of oxygen. Colvin received immediate medical attention and was transported to the hospital, and he will make a full recovery and be able to play again next season. Hopefully this incident will cause Major League Baseball to re-examine the quality of bats used by players, especially the maple bats.
