FSN's Jon Kelley reported last night that MLB is
"investigating that ugly scene out at Wrigley Field" from
Tuesday night "that played out more like a wrestling
Smackdown" when members of the Dodgers went into the stands
in an altercation with fans ("Baseball Today," FSN, 5/16).
Meanwhile, the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES' Brown & Kiley report that
the Cubs "defended" their security and beer-selling
procedures yesterday, while MLB Exec VP/Operations Sandy
Alderson "signaled punishment is in store" for the players
who went into the stands. Alderson: "There really is never
any excuse for going into the stands. It is not only not
acceptable, it exposes players and other uniformed personnel
to risks and liabilities. At any level, it is not a
tolerable response." The Cubs added "more security" to the
bullpen, where players sit "only inches away" from front-row
fans. Cubs Exec VP/Business Operations Mark McGuire held a
press conference yesterday and noted the Dodgers'
"complaints" that the Cubs provided "insufficient" security:
"What the Dodgers failed to recognize was that we have
downplayed the uniforms for some of our crowd-control
people, trying to have a little softer look in the park.
There were a lot more people in the area than the Dodgers
recognized. ... Had we not had players in the stands, it
certainly would have been easier to gain control." McGuire
said that the incident "would not cause the team to further
restrict beer sales" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 5/18). ESPN.com's
Peter Gammons wrote that MLB "feels something good will come
out of this -- that Wrigley and all baseball officials will
give more attention to alcohol consumption" at games. MLB
VP/Security Kevin Hallinan: "I believe that in the end that
this will help prevent a more serious situation" (ESPN.com,
5/17). Dodgers GM Kevin Malone: "I would be very
disappointed if there were any disciplinary action taken for
protecting ourselves. They were the aggressors throughout
and we were in a self-protection mode" (WASH. POST, 5/18).
1, 2, 3 SIDES TO EVERY STORY? In Chicago, Jay Mariotti,
on the Cubs' owners: "In a sense, Tribune Co. is getting
what it deserves. The suits have worked hard to cultivate a
party atmosphere in Wrigleyville, a mood that suggests
alcohol, rooftops and a thriving bar scene is bigger than
the lost concept of winning. If the Cubs emphasize good
times over pennant contention, why is anyone shocked about
so many drunken uprisings?" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 5/18). In
Chicago, Skip Bayless: "It's time to modernize one aspect of
Wrigley. It's time for highly visible authority figures.
It's time for uniformed cops or NFL-style bouncers --
deterrents for even the drunkest, boldest, fans." Cubs 1B
Mark Grace, on security: "We need policemen at Wrigley
Field. You really think they would take away from the
charm? I don't. I know some innocent people who'd be real
happy to have cops here" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/18). The Cubs'
McGuire, on security: "To the extent that they're more
visible, they'd be more of a deterrent. There have been
times at this ballpark that [fans] have accused our people
of being more Gestapo-like, heavy-handed and there's always
a spectrum here of how people think you should deal with
situations. Leaning toward customer service and customer
satisfaction, we've softened the look of our people. We try
to mingle in and be helpful" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/18).
YOURS, MINE AND THE TRUTH: Also in Chicago, Elliott
Harris notes how the Cubs' Web site described Tuesday's
incident: "A skirmish broke out in the stands as three
Dodgers' players poured into the stands." Meanwhile, the
Dodgers' Web site read, "Cubs fans embarrassed the city and
sport, littering the Dodgers' bullpen with beer to instigate
a wild brawl in the crowd" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 5/18).
ALL YOU HAD TO DO WAS ASK? Dodgers C Todd Hundley, on
the fan who took the cap of C Chad Kreuter: "If you wanted
the hat that bad, be polite and ask for one. We'll give it
to you" (Mult., 5/18).
