An Unlikely Incident

Anytime a fan goes to a baseball game, and sits very close, they know that there is a possibility of catching a foul ball and also, the possibility of being hit by a foul ball. It’s a chance they take. For one fan, it ended up being more than a chance, and maybe even felt like an attack. On August 17, 1957, Philadelphia Phillies fan, Alice Roth had what has to be one of the unluckiest days for a baseball fan in the history of baseball. That day, while watching the Phillies play the New York Giants, she was hit in the face by a foul ball from future Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn, which broke her nose. As she was being treated, Ashburn fouled off the very next pitch, and the ball struck her leg, breaking it. This rare and astonishing incident remains a “one-of-a-kind” event in baseball history to this day…thankfully for all concerned!!

Roth’s husband, Earl, worked as the sports editor for the Philadelphia Bulletin, which meant the couple often attended Phillies games. His job also put them in a position for “prime seats” which might not have been to their advantage this time. The couple were seated in the press box behind the third-base dugout with their grandsons, watching the home team face the Giants. Ashburn, who was a skilled hitter, was known for frustrating pitchers by consistently fouling off pitches. He retired in 1962 with a .308 batting average. The unfortunate Roth was taken to a nearby hospital. In an effort to try to mend ties with the local paper’s sports editor, the Phillies invited Earl Roth and his grandchildren into their clubhouse after the game, treating the kids to free tickets and an autographed baseball. Later that day, while visiting her in the hospital, one of her grandsons reportedly asked Roth, “Grandma, do you think you could go to an Eagles game and get hit in the face with a football?” Hopefully, he was joking.

Roth seemed to handle the mishap gracefully, even forming a friendship with Ashburn after his visit the following day. I can only imagine how awful Ashburn mush have felt. Ashburn later became one of Philadelphia’s most cherished sports figures, transitioning from an outstanding playing career to a broadcasting role that lasted until his passing in 1997. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995. Roth’s son eventually became the Phillies’ batboy, and Alice Roth remained a dedicated fan, continuing to attend games. She knew the risks first-hand, accepted them, and went on!!