A baseball fan who went viral for dangling his stepson over the barriers, in an attempt to grab a home run ball, has broken his silence following waves of backlash online.
Cincinnati Reds fan James Foreman sent social media wild on Sunday, following the incident that occurred during the team’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, St. Louis outfielder Bryan Torres hit a shot toward right field, which just snuck over the wall for a two-run blast.
The ball ended up between the fence and a back wall, presenting an opportunity that Foreman felt was too good to refuse.
In videos that have circulated social media, Foreman was seen holding his stepson by the ankle and lowering him down towards the ball.
Despite their best attempts, however, the stepson was unable to reach the loose ball.
A Cincinnati Reds fan went viral for dangling his stepson by the ankles to reach a home run ball
James Foreman broke his silence on the incident in an interview with Inside Edition
Before they could try again, stadium security stopped the two from continuing.
A video of the incident went viral as fans ripped into the father for potentially risking an injury to his child – but now the Cincinnati Reds fan has spoken out.
In an interview with Inside Edition, Foreman said he had no fears over the matter.
Bluntly, he told the outlet: ‘I felt like I had a good grip. I’ve done it hundreds of times.’
Meanwhile, eight-year-old stepson Jeffrey was quizzed on how badly he wanted to retrieve the home run ball. ‘A lot,’ he told the outlet.
After footage of the incident went viral, fans were quick to call out Foreman.
‘People have died falling over these walls. They were absolutely right trying to stop that idiot dad,’ one disgruntled user wrote on X.
‘Some people should never be permitted to be parents,’ another wrote.
Unfortunately for the family, they left Busch Stadium empty handed. Without a ball or a Reds win as the Cardinals completed a three-game sweep with a 5-3 victory.
