Seemingly motivated by the April 27 incident in which home plate umpire Jeff Kellogg had to step in and tackle a fan on the field, the Orioles have beefed up security at Camden Yards by hiring private security guards, CSN Baltimore’s Rich Dubroff reports.
The guards will work in tandem with Baltimore City police officers in patrolling the lines before Orioles games and between innings.
“The club believes it is important to provide adequate support to discourage illegal fan behavior such as running onto the field as well as to quickly and effectively address any problems should they arise,” Orioles director of communications Greg Bader said in response.
The Orioles have had at least four people jump the fence and take the field during games this season. At least one, the Batman-wannabe from Opening Day, has been banned from the park for life.