How Dangerous is the Threat of Lightning at MLB Games?

Posted: April 12, 2023 2:15 pm

The start of the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is in full swing, no pun intended. A day out at the ballpark is a great way to enjoy the warming temperatures. However, baseball fans also run the risk of encountering the potential threat of lightning when noshing on those peanuts and rooting for the home team.

Here is what you need to know about the chance and threat of lightning strikes at ballparks and how you can reduce your risk of encountering this force of Mother Nature.

Finnish Study Examines Threat of Lightning Strikes at MLB Stadiums

While the risk of being struck by lightning is astronomically low, it is important to note that about 90% of these strikes happen during the MLB season.

A study from the Finnish lighting research firm Vaisala found that lightning was documented at an unsafe distance at about one out of every 14 MLB games.

Specifically, the data found that the lightning was at an unsafe distance at about 700 out of 9,000 games between the years 2016 and 2019.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), you can expect to find lightning up to 10 miles away from a storm. This means that you do not need to even be in the middle of a severe weather event to find lightning. For purposes of the Vaisala study, they defined an unsafe distance as 8 or fewer miles.

Pitcher Struck by Lightning Continues With Game

There has only been one recorded lightning strike to hit an actual baseball field in the history of the MLB. This happened on August 24, 1919 when Cleveland pitcher Ray Caldwell was struck by a bolt of lightning during the bottom of the ninth inning.

Caldwell was knocked unconscious for five minutes, immediately falling to the ground on his back. The electrical current generated by the strike was enough to cause numbness in the legs of the teammates that had swarmed to Caldwell when he went down.

The current went through their bodies through the metal spikes of their baseball cleats.

In a shocking turn of events, Caldwell regained consciousness and continued pitching in the game, leading his team to a 2 – 1 victory against the Philadelphia Athletics.

Where You Are Most Likely to See Lightning Near a Game

Not surprisingly, some parts of the U.S. are more at risk of experiencing lightning strikes. In addition, some stadiums are more prone to being in danger of strikes because they are often out in the open surrounded by only big parking lots.  

The Vaisala research indicates that the MLB stadium plagued with the highest number of games contested with lightning at a close distance is LoanDepot Park in Miami. However, the Marlins’ stadium boasts a retractable roof that gives spectators and players cover when storms are in the area.

Denver’s Coors Field, home to the Colorado Rockies, has the most nearby lightning events of all open air stadiums. There were three stadiums that did not see any nearby lightning, all in the state of California.

These were Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, and Petco Park in San Diego.

Despite all of the reports of nearby lightning events during MLB games, you should not let this risk ruin your enjoyment of the great American pastime. Knowing how to shelter when threat of lightning is in the area is key to protecting yourself during severe weather.

You can increase the odds that you are able to find shelter when storms approach by enabling your smartphone to receive severe weather notifications.

When it comes to safety while at a MLB stadium, most bathrooms offer good protection from lightning strikes. You do not want to be outside in open areas or near metal structures if you notice lightning in the area.

Following the recommendations of stadium officials is always recommended. Most stadiums have detailed protocols to follow when severe weather strikes.

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