St. Louis Cardinals: Safety in public places is a human right

May 23, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Hockey fans pass through a security check point before entering the arena to watch Ottawa Senators host Pittsburgh Penguins in game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Hockey fans pass through a security check point before entering the arena to watch Ottawa Senators host Pittsburgh Penguins in game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The St. Louis Cardinals begin a series today at Chavez Ravine. After the explosion in Manchester last night, will venues install extra security and should they?

I’ve written a few of these pieces before so hold onto your hat if you dislike these. Having said that, the St. Louis Cardinals have a faithful amount of fans and it is the responsibility of a ball team to keep those fans safe. Sometimes, though, the evils of humanity affect and circumvent any safety items installed to protect.

This was precisely what happened in Manchester last night. We all know how terrible this event is and it is all of that and then more. The unthinkable continues to happen.

In the wake of such horrors, we want to find blame and problems for in blame and problems there are inherent solutions. But here’s the rub: this wasn’t a senseless gun issue that we can fight for greater gun control, this wasn’t a gang-related incident that we can point to better education for our kids, and this wasn’t a natural disaster that came from nowhere.

This was a human flaw. An evil human flaw.

So, to the baseball world… In the wake of events such as last night’s bombing (oh and the recent St. Louis Cardinals fan who was hit by a stray bullet while inside of Busch Stadium), should stadiums implement additional security measures? Why not…

Look, I have no problem going through extra security checkpoints and have even volunteered for the heavy TSA checks. I have nothing to hide and want everyone else to be as willing. How different would the world be if we were all so transparent?

How different would the concert have been for those kids last night if everyone was as transparent? Would the improvised, homemade explosive been successfully smuggled?

I don’t want to paint a bad picture here but I’m afraid that no matter the measures, the evil will find its way to strike. Certainly Hollywood has taught us this.

So back to the first question, should stadiums do more to make their great fans feel safer? The easy answer is yes.

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As a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, I want to watch greats like Ozzie Smith, Scott Rolen, Albert Pujols, and stars of today like Dexter Fowler without the fear of being attacked. When I was younger and attended baseball games at Busch II, I can tell you that I didn’t feel fear and I’m sure the safety measures were less than they are today.

All of that aside, the more we all can do to ensure safety the better. If this means additional metal detectors then do it. If this means additional police force, then do it and pay them more. If this means pat downs, then do it.

I want baseball to remain pure and I would hate to hear of a disaster like last night’s horrible news having happened at a ballpark (and it shouldn’t have happened where it did [read: anywhere]). I hate hearing of the fan who was struck by the stray bullet as well.

Next: Bullpen internal options

Let’s make our entire country safe again. Safe for all us: baseball fans, moms, dads, sisters, brothers, and- most importantly- children. Now, let’s hope our St. Louis Cardinals can find some wins. Go Cardinals!