Monday, May 30, 2005 |
Basebrawl
"There were some rowdy Dodger fans who had too much to drink who were talking trash to an Angels fan," said Dow, 22. "The Angels fan said, '3-1' [the final score] back to them after the game and they started beating him helplessly."There's no doubt that Dodger Stadium is a rough place in some sections -- the outfield bleachers are notorious -- but it seems that lately even without the $2 Tuesdays promotion, the kinds of people showing up at the park tread at the edge of civilized behavior. Much as I love the Dodgers and Dodger Stadium, there's no question that Angel Stadium is both better policed and a generally mellower crowd. Unlike Connelly, I don't want to kick Frank for this -- how could he know who is and isn't going to cause trouble? -- but this could be a case where ticket price hikes could end up being a net positive."There were kids around who were crying and screaming," he continued. "[My girlfriend and I] had food thrown at us as well because I was wearing an Angels jersey. I am appalled by these actions and want to say they were extremely uncalled for. There is never a need to fight at a sporting event. Do these [criminals] think they are bigger for beating someone up like this?"
Lindsey Bockoven, Dow's girlfriend and a 21-year-old college student from Moorpark, CA was also disgusted with what she saw. In a telephone interview, she said, "I feel threatened at Dodgers Stadium now as a young woman and I wouldn't want to bring a child to a game there, either. It's sad because people take their families to baseball games to bond and have a good time and you can't even go to a game with two rival teams without feeling threatened." The soon-to-be San Diego State University student and Georgia native said she will attend Angels games instead, if any games at all.
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[Dodgers Stadium Vice President of Public Relations John] Olguin said Dodgers Stadium is policed by the Los Angeles Police Department as well as their own private security team, which was curious, actually, because there wasn't a security presence at the scene of the fight until many minutes later.
From what I could tell, not one of the criminals was apprehended [emphasis mine], fleeing in myriad directions before anyone realized what was going on. Olguin would not give the number of officers on duty at any given game for what he said were security measures. Reprehensibly, Olguin said Dodgers Stadium would not allow him to comment upon arrests made or injuries sustained as a result of violence at the stadium.
The fans are rabidly supportive of their team but the atmosphere is fun filled not violent. It seems like they are there to have a great time in a great venue and if their team wins, so much the better. But they will enjoy themselves either way.
No beachballs or paper airplanes and no fights.
I for one, have seen my last game at Dodger Stadium. And believe this is a trickle down efffect from the top. No class.
Rick
: 5/30/2005 01:29:00 PMNewer› ‹Older
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