I was wondering if there is a rule in MLB (or if there are specific stadium rules) regarding the ejection of a fan falling on the field? My co-workers and I are arguing the fact that a fan that falls on the field should (and shouldn't) be ejected from the game immediately because there is a warning stated at the beginning of each game regarding fans on the field. I think a fan reaching for a foul ball takes a risk and therefore should be ejected if they fall on the field. The other side argues is that security should make a ruling as to whether it was an accident or not and whether to eject the fan or be forgiving and allow them to stay. I say if you let one person break the rules more will claiming it was an "accident".

Does anyone have any official info on this ruling or even an opinion on the matter?

weewok

Don't go looking for trouble.

Call time. Stand there. Watch the responsible authorities remove the spectator from the playing field. Once the field is clear say "Play."

Your authority over spectators ends at the fence. You can't eject them from the park no matter how much you want to.

See 9.01(d) - you may eject a spectator from the "playing field."

See 2.00 definitions of fair and foul territory and you will see that the "playing field" ends at the fence.

See 3.16, including comments, as to how to handle a situation where a spectator interferes, on the playing field, with a ball in play.

See 3.18 - Home club responsible for security. If the "playing field" is not cleared in a reasonable time you may forfeit to the visitors.

NOTE: In LL rules, the league, and not either team, is responsible. You may not forfeit in LL for spectator problems, and you may not hold the "home" (or visitor for that matter) manager responsible. This is because both teams are at home, and "home" really only designates who bats when.

However
 

Rich Notes:
<b>NOTE: In LL rules, the league, and not either team, is responsible. You may not forfeit in LL for spectator problems, and you may not hold the "home" (or visitor for that matter) manager responsible.</B>

However, many local, regional and statewide divisions of baseball oraganizations (including PONY, FED, Babe Ruth American Legion and others), have given the umpire and or coach the authority/responsibility to remove unruly spectators. Forfeiture in these cases is also allowed by many groups.

Contact the Board, UIC, Commissioner, Representative, or whoever is in charge of the league you are working, for exact information regarding umpire authority over spectators.

[Edited by GarthB on Aug 9th, 2001 at 01:36 PM]

weewok asked about MLB, not LL, or any other level. He also didn't ask if the umps ejected the fan(s). Can someone give an answer to his question, without getting into all the other situations?

Bob

OK Bob - Security can eject the fan from the stadium or not as they see fit. It's not like there is some law etched in stone or something.

In San Diego, its covered by a local ordinance (arrest for willful entry onto the field). Fans who fall are simply escorted back to their seat.

I believe the last person arrested ran on to the field, fell on his knees before Tony Gwinn, and began bowing before him. The most famous arrest was when the San Diego Chicken was arrested. A picture of him behind bars, in costume, was on the front page of the local paper. The headline: "Jail Bird."