D'backs go peanut free to help allergy sufferers

PHOENIX - Baseball and peanuts go together like hot dogs and apple pie.

But for people with peanut allergies, going to a baseball game can become a matter of life or death.

“He could die,” said Lisa Horne, mother of 3-year-old Stetson, who has a severe peanut allergy.

He wears a special bracelet and Horne carries around medicine just in case.

On Monday, the Arizona Diamondbacks cleaned a space for those suffering with peanut allergies, letting them enjoy America's favorite pastime too.

“Thanks to the D'backs for sponsoring a day like this to give a little boy a chance to see a baseball game,” Horne said.

Guests at Monday's game even had to sign a waiver, promising no peanuts allowed.

"We think it's important to have an opportunity like this for our fans to be able to come out and enjoy a game in a safe, family-friendly environment," said Brian McCaman, with the Diamondbacks.

Allergies in children are up around 20 percent over the past 15, years according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Peanut allergies were almost unheard of back then, but now they are growing in numbers and public awareness.