Reinsdorf: Tougher Fan Laws Needed

Chicago White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf insists unruly fans are not limited to his team’s ballpark, and tougher laws are the best way to keep spectators off the field.

“This is not a White Sox problem, it’s a problem at all facilities across the country that has to be addressed,” Reinsdorf said Tuesday.

These were his first public comments since a fan attacked an umpire last week at U.S. Cellular Field during a game against Kansas City. Seven months earlier, a Royals’ coach was attacked by a man and his son at what was then Comiskey Park.

Reinsdorf spoke Tuesday at a stadium news conference to announce another proposal by a lawmaker aimed at strengthening penalties against disorderly fans.

“There are a variety of responses that may be necessary in order to solve the problem,” Reinsdorf said. He stressed that the most important thing is a legal system that provides mandatory penalties that “will cause people to think more than once before they do something like this.”

Reinsdorf left before reporters asked questions.

State Sen. Mattie Hunter announced she would propose a bill that would jail fans for 30 days and fine them a minimum of $1,000 if they are convicted of trespassing onto a field, basketball court or hockey rink during a pro sports event.

On Monday, a Chicago alderman proposed a city ordinance raising the fine from $100 to $1,000 for running onto the field during a pro sports event. State Rep. John Fritchey has said he also would introduce a bill to increase penalties.

*

San Francisco Giant pitcher Jason Schmidt left the team following the death of his mother. Schmidt (2-0) will miss his scheduled start Thursday.... Texas Ranger center fielder Doug Glanville has a ruptured tendon in his right hamstring and is considering surgery that would keep him out another month.... A man pleaded innocent to misdemeanor charges of battery and assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly throwing a cell phone that hit Ranger outfielder Carl Everett in the head in. Police said stadium security officers in Oakland saw Juan Carlos Serrano, 24, throw the cell phone.