Shin-Soo Choo knocks a fan out with a home run, a breakdown

In the bottom of the first inning of a game between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros, veteran outfielder Shin-Soo Choo steps up to the plate against Astros ace Gerrit Cole. Choo works the count full, then Cole challenges him with a 97 mph fastball right down the middle of the plate. Choo swings with authority and crushes the pitch deep to right field for a solo home run. As the ball rockets off Choo's bat, a fan in the front row positions himself perfectly, ready to make the catch. However, the ball comes in hot and strikes the fan directly in the head, knocking him to the ground. The crowd gasps as the fan, wearing a Rangers jersey, falls back in his seat, his sandal flying off. His wife immediately turns to check on him, concerned for his well-being. "He goes down, not a care in the world for this fan," remarks the announcer. Another fan nearby quickly scoops up the loose baseball, securing the unexpected souvenir. "This guy actually gonna make a great grab off that guy's head," the announcer notes. Astros outfielder George Springer reacts to the frightening scene, saying "Right in the head, clocked." The fallen fan appears dazed and disoriented, having been struck flush by Choo's mammoth home run. "Tough times" for the fan, the announcer laments. This unfortunate incident comes in the bottom of the first inning, with the game still scoreless. It's an inauspicious start to the day for this Rangers supporter, who will likely have a nasty headache and a story to tell for years to come. The home run by Shin-Soo Choo puts the Rangers on the board early, but the true story of this at-bat will be the fan who got in the way of the baseball and paid the price. It's a stark reminder that you have to keep your eye on the ball at all times when sitting close to the action in a Major League ballpark.