Sideline sports reporters learn the hard way that beanball hazard isn’t limited to players

A couple years ago, an Australian news reporter became news himself when he was struck in the head by a runaway skateboard. He joined the unfortunate ranks of sports reporters beaned while covering games involving fast-moving projectiles.

Here we take a look back at some of the more notable incidents of sports-reporter mishaps — video proof that cranial jeopardy is by no means limited to players. Don a helmet and dive in…

[fusion_title size=”4″]REPORTER BOUNCED BY BASKETBALL[/fusion_title]

Cleveland Cavaliers reporter Allie Clifton caught a break of sorts — she was plunked by a ball that had been slowed as it went through the basket and bounced once. Always the consumate professional, Clifton didn’t miss a beat in reciting her lines.

[fusion_title size=”4″]REPORTER BEANED BY BASEBALL[/fusion_title]

Ironically, baseballs are actually a bit softer than softballs, but they still pack a wicked punch when making contact with one’s skull. Fortunately for FOX Sports Wisconsin reporter Sophia Minnaert, this particular foul ball went after her microphone and left her dome intact.

[fusion_title size=”4″]REPORTER SOCKED BY SOCCER BALL[/fusion_title]

Like her American counterparts, this Romanian reporter stayed focused on the task at hand even after being bopped by an errant soccer ball.

[fusion_title size=”4″]REPORTER FLUMMOXED BY FOOTBALL[/fusion_title]

Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Chandler Harnish inexplicably throws the ball directly at sideline reporter Pam Oliver prior to a game last season. Did anyone yell heads up?

Lest you start to believe balls have it in exclusively for the fairer sex, we conclude with a couple examples of male reporters taking flak in the line of duty.

[fusion_title size=”4″]REPORTER CRACKED BY CRICKET BALL[/fusion_title]

One News reporter Andrew Keoghan should have known better than to go to bat without a helmet. While his hair remains perfectly coiffed, his nose doesn’t fare quite as well after meeting with a cricket ball traveling at 138 kmh.

[fusion_title size=”4″]REPORTER STRUCK BY PUCK[/fusion_title]

Pucks move so fast that broadcasters have experimented with tracer effects to make hockey more watchable on television. It’s a wonder more rink-side commentators aren’t blindsided from time to time.