Baseball: No Coolers, Backpacks

In the wake of the terrorist attacks that halted play, major league baseball on Friday announced new ballpark security measures to take effect when games resume next week.

Fans will face more scrutiny at stadiums, undergoing inspections of their bags Monday and for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.

Coolers, backpacks and large bags are no longer permitted under the plan, which mandates that clubs must increase the presence of uniformed police officers and inspect facilities each day before gates open.

Parking is to be restricted within 100 feet of any stadium; all deliveries will be inspected and team personnel will undergo new training. Baseball has not requested the use of metal detectors at gates.

Although the Dodgers and Angels had been among the game’s leaders in security before Tuesday’s events in New York and Washington, they are eager to implement baseball’s revised standards at Dodger Stadium and Edison Field.

“These changes make sense right now; it’s common sense in light of what’s happened, but we were already practicing most of the new procedures [the commissioner’s office] has instructed clubs to implement,” said Derrick Hall, Dodger senior vice president.

“We always had an ample amount of personnel throughout the stadium, but we will make these adjustments per policy.”

The Dodgers had previously permitted backpacks, but not coolers. Fans could bring coolers into Edison Field, but Angel security staff randomly inspected them.

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“Everyone will be treated the same,” Hall said. “If there is suspicious behavior, or suspicion of possessions, further examination will be required regardless of race, religion or nationality.”