NL Tightens the Leash on Reds’ Schott

Now Marge Schott can’t even go to Riverfront Stadium--unless she buys a ticket.

Baseball officials, concerned she is interfering with the Cincinnati Reds’ operations, banned Schott on Wednesday from entering her ballpark in the capacity of team owner.

“There are several major issues that need to be addressed,” National League President Len Coleman said at Wrigley Field, where he was watching the Cubs play Wednesday. “Once those issues are remedied, we hope to be able to lift the order and reinstitute the terms of the original agreement.”

Schott, facing a suspension from baseball’s executive council for her remarks about Adolf Hitler, women and Asians, agreed June 12 to give up day-to-day control of the team through the 1998 season.

NL spokeswoman Katy Feeney said Schott could buy a ticket and sit among the fans at Riverfront.

Schott was not at the Reds’ games Tuesday night or Wednesday afternoon. She did not return a telephone message left at her home.

Before Wednesday’s edict, Schott was allowed to enter the team offices, go on the field and watch games from her luxury box and front-row seat. Her power was limited to being consulted about negotiations with government officials about a new stadium and approving the annual budget.

Baseball toughened its sanctions one week after Schott sent Reds employees a one-page memo that said, “Contrary to what you may have been led to believe, I do not intend to disappear.”

The memo, obtained by the Associated Press, said that Schott had “decided to change my role concerning the day-to-day operation of the club until further notice.”