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Phillies Need to Makes Changes to Prevent Fan Interference in Right Field

By George Stockburger

Apr 18, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; MLB umpire Bob Davidson (61) and Jerry Lane wait for a response on an instant replay during the seventh inning of a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; MLB umpire Bob Davidson (61) and Jerry Lane wait for a response on an instant replay during the seventh inning of a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last week we saw multiple instances at Citizens Bank Park where fans interfered with the ball while in play. Most notably these situations occur along the right field wall where fans can easily reach over and pull in a ball or alter its’ path.

It has been such an epidemic over at that section of the stadium, an additional camera was added which points parallel to the wall.

Fans complain the game takes too long, but it is their actions that result in a five-minute video review.

Here’s an example of a Cubs fan doing it to his own team.

This has long been a problem for the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. No matter how many times you remind fans not to reach over, the adrenaline rush of getting a baseball overcomes your common sense.

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    • This is a tricky issue to iron out, but it must be done to prevent fan interference along that wall.

    The first thing they could do is add a flower bed similar to the left field wall. This will prevent fans from being able to completely reach over the edge and change the outcome of a game.

    To do this, you might have to alter the seating and wall padding in that area to the flower beds don’t completely hangover the field of play.

    A more disruptive solution to the fan experience is installing some form of plexiglass along the edge of the wall. This however might alter a fans view of the game and make for some disgruntled season ticket holders.

    Again, this is a tough one to figure out. The best option is adding something similar to the flower bed, but that could mean moving seats back or the wall in. You certainly don’t want an already hitters-friendly park to shrink an additional four feet to prevent fan interference.

    Here’s an idea. If you know you will be tempted to reach for a ball, don’t sit there.

    What should the Phillies do to prevent fan interference in right field? Comment below with your ideas.

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