Protective Equipment Absent Atlanta Manager Laughs Off Being Hit by Foul Liner

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker found himself in a humorous yet potentially painful situation during the team’s recent game against the San Francisco Giants. A sharply hit foul ball off Ozzie Albies‘ bat took a bounce and struck Snitker below the belt in the fifth inning. Despite the close call, the 68-year-old manager managed to stay composed and even chuckled about the incident.

In a surprising revelation, Snitker shared that he does not wear protective equipment in the form of a cup during games. Despite the risky decision, Snitker maintained a lighthearted attitude about the incident. He acknowledged that the ball hit him „right below the belt“ but humorously added, „OK, a little high.“

Following the game, Snitker’s son, Troy, who serves on the Houston Astros‘ coaching staff, made sure to share a video of the incident with his father. Despite the potentially painful outcome, Snitker found solace in the fact that he narrowly avoided a more serious injury. Albies, the player responsible for the foul ball, approached Snitker after the at-bat to express his remorse.

As a former third-base coach with years of experience on the field, Snitker is no stranger to the dangers of foul balls. He recounted past incidents where he suffered injuries, including a broken wrist, while in the third-base coaching box. Despite the inherent risks of his profession, Snitker maintains a positive and resilient attitude.

Immediately following the incident, Braves first baseman Matt Olson joked with Snitker that he likely would have been hit by the foul ball if the manager had not been in the way. Snitker laughed off the comment and quipped that he was „easier to replace“ than Olson. The camaraderie and light-hearted banter within the Braves organization highlight the close-knit nature of the team.

As Snitker continues to lead the Braves to success on the field, his ability to find humor in challenging situations serves as a testament to his resilience and positive outlook. Despite the lack of protective equipment, Snitker remains undeterred and focused on guiding his team to victory.