Security Is Increased After Umpire Attack

Major League Baseball is reviewing security at ballparks nationwide to try to prevent fan violence following the attack on an umpire at a Chicago White Sox game.

Top baseball officials were in Chicago on Wednesday to investigate the assault on first base umpire Laz Diaz, which raised concern and questions.

The attack came during the game between the White Sox and Kansas City Royals Tuesday night -- three months before U.S. Cellular Field hosts the All-Star game and about seven months after a similar attack on Royal coach Tom Gamboa at the stadium.

“There is no place in baseball for such deplorable fan behavior, and we urge that the guilty parties be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Commissioner Bud Selig said.

In a Chicago police report, the fan was identified as 24-year-old Eric Dybas of Bolingbrook, Ill. He was charged Wednesday with aggravated battery and criminal trespassing. Police have not disclosed a motive for Dybas, who was scheduled to appear in court today.

He needed treatment for minor injuries at a hospital after he was thrown to the ground and roughed up by several players. He was later seen with a bloody bandage on his head. It was unclear whether he had been drinking alcohol.

Kevin Hallinan, Major League Baseball’s security chief, and Sandy Alderson, executive vice president of baseball operations in the commissioner’s office, met with players and officials from both teams Wednesday. Selig said baseball would re-examine security at all stadiums.

The White Sox announced several steps to increase security, beginning with Wednesday night’s game against the Royals.

Two people were added to watch each foul line, ushers will check ticket stubs more frequently and more public-address announcements will be made to remind fans of the penalties for going on the field. There were 16 security personnel on the field, as well as several in the stands.

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Closer Robb Nen of the San Francisco Giants will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his ailing right shoulder Friday in Los Angeles. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum.