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Rays return to field tonight in Boston but fear remains for players, families.
By KEVIN KELLY
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 18, 2001
ST. PETERSBURG -- Of the 2,084 games Hal McRae played during his major-league career, he can recall only one instance when he feared for his safety.
It was Game 5 of the 1976 American League playoffs at Yankee Stadium and Chris Chambliss just hit a home run to right-centerfield that sent the Yankees to the World Series.
"Fans stormed the field," said McRae, who was playing rightfield for the Royals. "I was really concerned, not so much about my safety, although I was afraid to a certain degree, but I wanted my glove. I didn't know if someone would take my glove."
The future Rays manager followed teammates through a bullpen tunnel with the glove George Brett had given to him tucked securely under his armpit.
"They could've taken my hat, but I wanted my glove," McRae said. "It was a glove I had for a long time."
Today's players face an entirely different fear.
The terrorist attacks one week ago in New York and Washington have forced wholesale security changes in the way Major League Baseball, its stadiums, teams and players operate on a daily basis.
The tragedy also has left family members of Rays players, and even the players themselves, apprehensive about an eight-game road trip that begins tonight against Boston at Fenway Park and continues to Toronto and New York.
"It's our jobs," Rays outfielder Greg Vaughn said. "We try to put them at ease. Human nature is that they're scared for us. I'm scared for us, too."
Tonight's game is the first at Fenway Park and first for either team since the attacks. Two of the four hijacked flights originated from Logan International Airport in Boston.
The Rays play in New York on Sept. 25 in what will be the Yankees' first game in the Bronx since Sept. 11.
"Everyone has trepidation I think," first baseman Steve Cox said. "It's scary. We don't know when we're going to attack back or whatever. If that happens to be when we're on the road, we don't know what their retaliation is going to be.
"It's scary. It's a time you wish you could be with your families."
Commissioner Bud Selig asked teams Friday to institute more stringent security measures. Later that afternoon the league released a list of initiatives aimed at quelling fears and protecting those in stadiums that could be viewed as potential targets to terrorists.
For now there will be:
More uniformed law-enforcement officers at all games.
Daily inspections of stadiums before gates are opened.
Identification and inspection of all deliveries.
No unauthorized parking within 100 feet of any ballpark exterior.
Daily inspections of parking lots and the removal of unattended vehicles.
No coolers, backpacks or large bags.
Smaller bags and other items will be inspected before entering a park.
Security-awareness training for all club personnel.
Detailed review of all existing security procedures.
The new rules were in place Monday when baseball resumed play after a six-day stoppage because of the attacks.
"I'd rather see that all the time," said catcher Toby Hall, whose wife canceled plans to meet him in New York next week. "How they're reacting now should be the way it is all the time just for the simple fact that you can't take things for granted any more."
Tampa Bay travel director Jeff Ziegler held a team meeting before Saturday's workout to discuss new policies and procedures. He declined to reveal specific changes but acknowledged they were comprehensive and will be in place for good.
"From my standpoint," catcher John Flaherty said, "I think we all understand that the rules of the game have obviously changed as far as traveling.
"I think if everybody goes into it with an open mind that we're going to have to make some adjustments from our normal travel schedule, hopefully it will go smoothly."
Players also plan on using common sense as a way to avoid trouble.
Many say they will ride the team bus to and from stadiums and will not take the subway to and from Yankee Stadium as they have done in the past while in New York next week.
"I think you've got to use your head, be smart about what you're doing," infielder Russ Johnson said. "I think as long as we do as much as we can safety-wise and security-wise, I think everything will be fine."
Most in the Rays clubhouse understand they must focus during the time they're on the field. By doing that maybe they can help provide a respite to a saddened nation.
"We want people to come out and be distracted," pitcher Paul Wilson said. "Maybe we can put a smile on someone's face."
And maybe players can go back to worrying about things like protecting a special glove from the onslaught of jubilant fans.
"When the competitive juices start to flow," McRae said, "I think they'll all be fine."