why is it at the world series that the crowd doesn't run onto the field like it did in the 1970s?

Question

back the 1970s and some in the 1980s at the end of a big game, fans would come rushing out onto the field and celebrate with the players. You never see that anymore. Was this a reflection of the rebellious attitude of the times? Examples: the hank aaron home run, game 6 of the 1975 world series

Answer 1

The security at potentially clinching games is overwhelming now. I think the turning point game was the final game of the 1976 ALCS when the Yankee fans totallly trashed the field after Chris Chambliss won the pennant for the Yankees on a 9th inning walk off homer. It was not a new development for the home town crowd to jump onto the field for a pennant or World Series winning moment. I have seen films of the Bill Mazeroski walk off home run in 1960 and he had trouble crossing the plate because of the number of fans who had run onto the field in celebration. In the 2004 ALCS, when A-Rod was called out after limp wristedly slapping at Bronson Arroyo's glove, dozens of mounted New York policeman had to surround the field as a preventative. They did not just show up, they were obviously at the Stadium and ready to go in case of just such an emergency.

Answer 2

G'day DJbod2006,

Thank you for your question.

Crowd security is much better these days following a number of serious incidents involving the crowd assaulting players. The most notable was the assault on Monica Seles by a mad German sports fan in 1993. There is also the matter of terrorism. For example, the Super Bowl is deemed to be a level 1 security event by Homeland Security. While the World Series is not quite at that level for some reason, homeland security and police make detailed preparations.

Unfortunately, we do not live in times as innocent as they were in our youth. Sigh.

I have attached sources for your reference.

Regards

Answer 3

Well, the security issues won't allow them to. I mean, just imagine if everyone was celebrating, and the next thing you know some player is hurt (Lord forbid). I also believe that the running out on the field was a sign of the rebellious attitude.

Answer 4

Sadly, a few idiots have ruined it for the real fans. Security for the players and coaches is the main reason, as well as fan and staff that could get hurt. (did you see the umpire get attacked last year?) Not to mention they might hurt a multi-million dollar player (or get hurt themselves and sue everyone in sight!). One guy did jump the wall at Busch following the World Series celebration, but he was quickly coralled. Note to the guy: It is not prudent to jump the wall when St. Louis' finest are standing about 10 feet apart all around the stadium.

Answer 5

In this age of terrorists and nuts, you really don't want a bunch of folks running around on a field. In the good old days, they were just a nuisance, now they represent a potential danger. Who knows if some coked out freak will think he'll find his place in history by stabbing some famous player? It's just too dangerous for the players.

Answer 6

Far better police and security. The fans would run onto the field if they could.

Answer 7

the teams wont let the fans amagen if pujols or konerico or ortiz got hurt by a fan. that would be a 100 milion dollor investment gone

Answer 8

Let them tear up the streets not the stadium.

Answer 9

For the most part it'd be people having fun, but there'd also be morons trying to start sh**

Answer 10

For security reasons. There are too many weirdos nowadays.