As you probably know, the Mets have announced that they will extend the protective netting at Citi Field starting July 15th, the first day back from the All-Star Break, when they take on the Colorado Rockies.

While they are extending it past the dugout, they are also extending it down the lines with an eight foot net, the first team in the majors to do so.

As you can see from the renderings, there will be a full net in from the dugouts, and then the wall will decrease to eight feet for the right field lines.

Personally, I detest this extra netting, as when I was young running down to the bottom of the field level in hopes of a ball or a signature was all I ever hoped for. Eventually, I stopped caring about this and took more interest in the actual game, but it’s crazy to think that a tradition that’s lasted centuries is getting ruined for the sake of some people that don’t pay attention to the game.

Is this going to ruin the gameday experience for me? No. However, I fear that this will ruin the experience for younger Mets fans, and might discourage them from coming out to the game. Additionally, I worry that the players might distance themselves more from the fans with an “off limits” approach, as this netting becomes more and more common.

Unfortunately, this is the kind of thing that is nearly impossible to protest, as these nets  prevent injuries and enhance safety, which is the number one priority.