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© St. Petersburg Times, published April 17, 2003
CHICAGO -- Major League Baseball is reviewing security at ballparks nationwide to try to prevent fan violence following the attack on an umpire at a White Sox game.
Top baseball officials were in Chicago on Wednesday to investigate the assault on first-base umpire Laz Diaz, which raised concern and questions throughout the majors.
It came three months before U.S. Cellular Field hosts the All-Star Game and about seven after a similar attack on a first-base coach at the stadium.
Commissioner Bud Selig said he was troubled by the assault Tuesday night during the game against the Royals.
"There is no place in baseball for such deplorable fan behavior, and we urge that the guilty parties be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Selig said.
The fan was identified as Eric Dybas, 24, of Bolingbrook, Ill. He was charged Wednesday with felony aggravated battery and criminal trespassing.
Kevin Hallinan, baseball's security chief, and Sandy Alderson, executive vice president of baseball operations in the commissioner's office, were looking into the attack. Selig said baseball would re-examine security at all stadiums.
Alderson said Wednesday night that the White Sox still would host the All-Star Game on July 15.
"Given the fact it has happened twice, are we concerned? Yes, as we have discussed with the White Sox," Alderson said. "Sometimes preparation and execution can't eliminate these kinds of incidents. We are going to go cross the board throughout baseball to reduce the number, if not eliminate them."
In September, Kansas City coach Tom Gamboa was pummeled by a father and son yards from where the fan ran onto the field and tried to tackle Diaz by grabbing him around the waist.
Security and players rushed to help Diaz, 40, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
"I just turned around and got him off me," he said. "The good hand-to-hand combat they taught me worked."
Diaz was not hurt, but Dybas needed treatment for minor injuries at a hospital after being thrown to the ground and roughed up by players. He later was seen with a bloody bandage on his head. His motive was not disclosed, and it was unclear whether he had been drinking alcohol.
"To have to deal with this yet again is really a black mark on the city and, frankly, the organization," White Sox general manager Ken Williams said Wednesday. "For it to happen twice in our city is unconscionable."
The White Sox announced several steps to increase security, beginning with Wednesday night's game against the Royals. Two people have been added to watch each foul line, ushers will check ticket stubs more frequently and more public-address announcements will be made to remind fans of the penalties for going onto the field.
GIANTS: Closer Robb Nen is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery on his ailing right (pitching) shoulder today in Los Angeles.
PHILLIES: Right-handed reliever Turk Wendell made his first appearance since Sept. 18, 2001, and pitched two shutout innings. He missed last season with right elbow tendinitis.
YANKEES: Closer Mariano Rivera reported no problems one day after throwing 40 pitches in batting practice. The right-hander is on the 15-day disabled list with a right groin strain.