Wendy/Darwin says, "Accepted into the Archive (near miss)."

This story happened in Gstaad, Switzerland more than 10 years ago in a plush tennis court. During the training lesson, one of the high school students (his name is Elbrus, son of some Russian nouveau riche) decided to check out how a tennis ball machine works. Needless to say that the machine was on and working (in other words shooting balls). He stuck his nose into the machine to inspect that complicated piece of machinery. Before we could say something the ball struck him right into the face, breaking his nose, knocking him out unconscious. It was his lucky day, because machine wasn't set to a maximum power, otherwise it would kill him.

Submitted on 11/02/2009

Submitted by: Batareikin
Reference:

Copyright © 2009 DarwinAwards.com

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
I think this is worthy enough for a PA. I don't recall any other encounters with a tennis ball machine, and considering they can launch balls at extremely high rates of speed (and this mook apparently decided to check it out while it was operating) it certainly can be a dangerous thing to take for granted. Thanks!

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
Hasn't tis goon seen all the shows where the good or bad guy uses one of these for a weapon? Sheesh! Thanks, Bat!

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4