Aroldis Chapman Took a Line Drive to the Face Last Week; Tips to Athletes

Cincinnati Reds’ pitcher Aroldis Chapman was injured recently after taking a baseball to the face. The Reds’ were sparring against the Kansas City Royals during spring training when the game took a dramatic twist.

This latest injury makes everyone, both sports fans and athletes alike, reflect on the dangers of playing any kind of sport. The sound of the fans cheering and of the bat cracking against the ball is like no other. But sometimes things don’t go according to plan and result in tragic incidents like Chapman being hit by a ball as Royals catcher Salvador Perez was at the plate. (ESPN MLB, Reds’ Chapman hit in head, game stopped, March 19, 2014)

According to Fox Sports, Chapman has saved 76 games the last two seasons for the Reds while recording 234 strikeouts in 135 2/3 innings. His ability to repeatedly top 100 mph on the radar gun, including a record 105 mph, with his fastball has been his calling card and led him to being nicknamed ‘The Cuban Missile’ but he had no chance of getting out of the way when Perez connected with a fastball in the sixth inning of Wednesday’s game and sent it right back at him. Chapman suffered a mild concussion and multiple fractures above his left eye and nasal region, (Chapman returns to camp for first time since scary line drive: FOX Sports, March 23, 2014).

“Accidents can happen during sporting events without any notice at all as we saw with Chapman being struck in the face by a line drive,” comments Frank N. Darras, America’s top expert in disability insurance.“As fans, and as players, we all expect injuries, but the suddenness of this was a shock. Thankfully, Chapman seems to be doing well and we’ll hopefully see him back on the pitching mound soon. If this had been a more debilitating injury, he could be off the field for a while. In that case, an own-occupation disability insurance policy would help cover his financial needs until he could play again.”

Own-occupation insurance can be a lifesaver for many professionals who make a significant income. Even if an athlete is seriously injured and cannot play baseball again, own-occupation benefits will cover a good percentage of their income even if they decide to find another job like working in sports broadcasting.

“I definitely recommend individual own-occupation disability insurance policies to all high-profile athletes and even other well-paid professionals like doctors, lawyers and dentists. Disability insurance may not be on everyone’s radar, yet Chapman’s injury proves that life can change direction in a split second. So consider being prepared ahead of time.Take the time now to talk with your trusted insurance agent or find a top disability insurance lawyer to help answer your questions and customize a policy for your needs,” says Darras.