honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, May 5, 2010

MLB: Players applaud Taser use for fan on field


By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
AP Baseball Writer

The video of a 17-year-old fan being chased around the field and finally Tasered at a Philadelphia Phillies game drew laughs as it became an Internet sensation.

Around the major leagues, though, many players and managers aren't joining in.

While some question the use of force on a teen who ran on to the field as a lark, plenty of players, baseball officials and security officers say it's difficult to make that determination in the moment. They reference tennis star Monica Seles's stabbing years ago, and Royals first base coach Tom Gamboa's beating in Chicago as they stressed the need to feel safe on the field.