BOSTON - The Boston Red Sox have increased security, especially around beer stands, in the wake of a scuffle between New York Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield and a fan.
The Red Sox announced Sunday that, starting with the current homestand, there will be nine supervisors monitoring alcohol consumption in the park instead of five. City police officers will also be assigned to the biggest beer stands.
The club has also introduced public service announcements reminding fans to drink responsibly and avoid balls in play. The team had previously instituted a security hot line number to allow fans to report code of conduct violations.
Crowd conduct has been under scrutiny since April 14, when Christopher House, a fan in the right-field stands, reached over the wall while Sheffield was chasing Jason Varitek's triple. Sheffield said he was hit in the face; House denied making contact.
Another fan, Matthew Donovan, spilled beer on Sheffield. He has denied doing it intentionally.
Red Sox officials revoked House's season tickets and banned Donovan from buying tickets this season. A clerk magistrate decided not to charge the two with a misdemeanor.
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