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Dodger great Sandy Koufax was nearly wiped out today by a foul ball from Andre Ethier. Koufax was minding his own business, hanging out with the young bucks and signing autographs during batting practice in Arizona, when the meteoric spheroid beaned Koufax right in the head.
The 78-year-old Koufax was bleeding, but in good spirits after the incident, according to L.A. Times baseball writer Dylan Hernandez, who witnessed the scene:
Sandy Koufax hit in the head by a foul ball. pic.twitter.com/MYrRFm0lgk
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) February 21, 2014
Koufax was bleeding but conscious. Smiling as trainers drove him to minor league side of complex.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) February 21, 2014
The line drive that struck Koufax was hit by Andre Ethier
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) February 21, 2014
We're told Koufax is walking around and talking.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) February 21, 2014
Sandy Koufax told pitching coach Rick Honeycutt he was OK, but a little dizzy (via @kengurnick): http://t.co/LjnHqLWqk2
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 21, 2014
SB Nation's Eric Stephen says there was a hush that fell over the crowd as Koufax was attended to by team doctors. Dodger manager Don Mattingly, who was close to where Koufax was hit, asked, "That didn't look too good, did it?"
We're glad Koufax seems to be okay, but we can't imagine how bad Andre Ethier feels right now.