Cubs Step Up Wrigley Security

Determined to prevent another melee between the Dodgers and fans at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs said they will increase security for a four-game series that begins today with a doubleheader.

The Cubs will bolster security near the uncovered visitors’ bullpen along the right-field line, where a May 16 brawl ignited during the Dodgers’ previous visit.

Eight staffers were added to a crew of 10 in that section after a fan allegedly struck backup catcher Chad Kreuter on his head and took his cap in the ninth inning of the Dodgers’ 6-5 victory.

There have not been further problems, but Cub officials said a few more employees will be assigned on the field and in the stands this weekend.

“We’re also going to step up the intensity,” said Paul Rathje, director of stadium operations. “We just want to make sure everyone on our staff is aware that the Dodgers are here.”

In the Dodgers’ last visit to Wrigley, Kreuter went into the stands to detain the man who took his cap. Several of Kreuter’s teammates and coaches followed, triggering fights that delayed play for nine minutes.

The commissioner’s office ordered the largest mass suspension and harshest penalties stemming from one altercation in baseball history, suspending 20 Dodgers for a total of 89 games and fining them $77,000.

The suspensions and fines were reduced to 45 games and $71,000 on appeal. Left fielder Gary Sheffield, the last player to serve a suspension, is sitting out five games and is eligible to return Sunday in the final game of the series.

Three fans were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct: James Maness, of Chicago; Ronald Camacho of Chicago; and Charles Carlin of Des Plaines, Ill.

Camacho has filed a lawsuit against both teams and several players, including Kreuter. Kreuter is expected to be served with a subpoena while the team is in town because his testimony is wanted in criminal proceedings stemming from the altercation.

The Cubs are eager to avert a repeat performance.

“That definitely made us take another look at how we do things,” Rathje said. “It was just one of those unfortunate things that happens, and we’re certainly human and we’re not perfect.”

The Dodgers complained that there wasn’t enough security in the area when the melee occurred.

Off-duty police officers are among the eight added staffers. Rathje declined to reveal the number of undercover officers working in the section, but he said there are more than before the altercation.

Believing late-inning alcohol sales contributed to the brawl, the Cubs slightly revised their beer-sales policy.

Vendors are still permitted to sell beer in the stands until the eighth inning during day games and the end of the seventh inning or 9:20 p.m. CDT, whichever comes first, during night games.

However, vendors are now in violation of stadium regulations if they stock serving trays after the sixth inning. They could previously restock until cutoff time.

The Cubs have come under criticism because the policy has not been strenuously enforced.