Major League Baseball reportedly sent out a memo last month providing guidelines for celebrations after clinching playoff berths or winning a postseason series. A failure to follow those standards involving the use of alcohol and fans could result in league discipline.
Arash Markazi of ESPN reported teams were told not to bring alcohol onto the field and begin spraying fans due to the presence of minors. MLB Chief Communications Officer Pat Courtney states that the common ritual is supposed to remain within the clubhouse.
"Our policy explicitly states that no alcohol is permitted outside of the clubhouse or at any time on the field of play, and that all celebrations involving the use of alcohol must take place within the clubhouse," Courtney said. "We have MLB security on-site to enforce our rules. The commissioner determines the appropriate steps if any individuals violate our rules."
Yet with teams ignoring the guidelines, Markazi stated teams have been contacted to warn them the commissioner's office will hand out punishments for future violations.
"Things have gone beyond where they're supposed to," one league source told ESPN. "You just have to turn on the TV and can see it."
Clearly the league doesn't want to completely outlaw partying after a milestone moment. Scenes from the clubhouse have become an annual part of the playoff atmosphere. But when the tradition stretches to include the field of play and fans, including minors, it's causing issues.
The key is finding a way to ensure the players, or at least the Champagne and beer, stay in the clubhouse area afterward. That could mean putting enforcement officials in the tunnel or not allowing the celebration to start until the doors are closed and guarded.
It appears MLB tried to get ahead of the issue last month, but its efforts were unsuccessful. Now the commissioner's office must decide how to move forward, with more celebrations, including the massive one after the World Series, on the horizon over the next few weeks.
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