Extreme Heat Sickens MLB Players: De La Cruz, Thornton Affected
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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz and seattle Mariners reliever Trent Thornton both suffered from heat-related illnesses during Saturday’s Major League Baseball games, as extreme heat blanketed much of the United States. The incidents highlight the challenges athletes face when competing in high temperatures, prompting teams to implement additional safety measures.
MLB Players Struggle in Scorching Conditions
De La Cruz vomited on the field in the fourth inning of the Reds’ game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite the episode, the 23-year-old Dominican Republic native remained in the game and later hit a two-run home run [1].
Thornton, 31, pitched over two innings for the Mariners before needing assistance to leave the field during their game against the Chicago Cubs. Mariners manager Dan Wilson attributed Thornton’s departure to “a little bit of a heat-related illness.”
Did You Know? The human body’s core temperature is typically around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, leading to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Umpires and Staff Also Impacted
The extreme heat affected more than just players. Umpire Chad Whitson also fell ill during the Mariners-Cubs game, leading to a reshuffling of the umpiring crew.A Wrigley Field staff member also experienced a heat-related medical issue and received treatment.
Teams Take Action to Combat heat
Recognizing the dangers posed by the high temperatures, the Cubs implemented several measures to help fans stay cool at Wrigley Field. These included setting up cooling and misting stations, deploying additional emergency personnel, and providing a city bus as a cooling center.
Pro Tip: Staying hydrated is crucial in extreme heat. Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages to replenish fluids lost through sweat.
The milwaukee brewers’ game at the Minnesota Twins was played under an excessive heat warning, underscoring the widespread impact of the heat wave on outdoor sporting events.
Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, occur when the body cannot effectively cool itself. Symptoms can include heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, and muscle cramps. Heatstroke, the most severe form of heat illness, can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention [2].
| Condition | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Exhaustion | Heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea | move to a cool place, drink fluids, rest |
| Heatstroke | High body temperature, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness | Call emergency services immediately, cool the person down |
What other precautions should be taken during extreme heat events? How can sports organizations better protect their athletes and staff?
The Growing Concern of Heat and Athletic Performance
The increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves due to climate change are raising concerns about the safety and performance of athletes across various sports.Organizations are now focusing on heat acclimatization strategies, hydration protocols, and monitoring systems to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures. The American College of Sports Medicine provides guidelines for preventing heat-related illnesses during exercise [3].
FAQ: Heat and MLB
Why is heat a concern for MLB players?
MLB players exert themselves physically for extended periods, increasing their risk of heat-related illnesses in high temperatures.
What are MLB teams doing to protect players from the heat?
MLB teams are implementing measures such as providing cooling stations, monitoring players’ hydration levels, and adjusting practice schedules.
What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion in athletes?
Symptoms of heat exhaustion in athletes can include heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, and muscle cramps.
What should you do if an athlete shows signs of heatstroke?
If an athlete shows signs of heatstroke, call emergency services immediately and try to cool the person down while waiting for help.
How can athletes prepare for playing in hot weather?
Athletes can prepare for playing in hot weather by gradually acclimatizing to the heat, staying hydrated, and wearing lightweight, breathable clothing.
Stay informed and stay safe during extreme weather events. Share this article to raise awareness!
