Chicago Politicians Enter Fray

Lawmakers pushed for new city laws that would make it a crime for fans and players to invade each other’s turf, in response to last month’s brawl between the Dodgers and spectators at Wrigley Field.

“What used to be a family event no longer is becoming a family event,” Alderman Joe Moore said Thursday as the city’s Finance Committee discussed four proposals to increase security at professional sporting events.

The lawmakers also want to clamp down on alcohol sales at local sports stadiums.

The push for new laws comes in response to the fracas between Dodger players and coaches and fans near the visiting bullpen at Wrigley Field on May 16.

Sixteen players and three coaches were suspended for their involvement in the skirmish, which started when a fan hit catcher Chad Kreuter on the back of his head and stole his cap.

Alderman Ed Burke, who is sponsoring the proposals, said sports franchises shouldn’t be allowed to set their own rules when it comes to protecting fans.

“I don’t think it can be left to the owners of these venues to decide what should be the standard of conduct,” Burke said.

Burke said that while disorderly conduct and assault laws may apply to scuffles between players and fans, the city needs a more narrowly defined law to prevent another fight like the one at Wrigley. Under his proposal, those convicted of going on the field or in the stands could be sentenced to up to six months in prison and fined up to $1,000.

“We have not seen any details of the ordinances proposed by the alderman today,” said Mark McGuire, executive vice president of business operations for the Chicago Cubs. “From what we understand, some of the ideas could be helpful. The others we need to understand better through the appropriate process.”