Metal detectors, improved security procedures expected at MLB stadiums in 2014

Apr 22, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Baseball fans are checked with metal detectors as added security before the start of the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs’ fans should expect to have to go through a metal detector to see their favorite team play in 2014, according to Sports Illustrated.

"Major League Baseball security director John Skinner said on Friday that all 30 teams are expected to screen all fans entering their ballparks next season. Some aspects of the screening will be left to individual teams, but the commissioner’s office is planning to recommend walk-through metal detectors, he said.“It’s the reality, unfortunately, of this world,” Skinner said at the Ivy Sports Symposium at the Harvard Law School. “Ultimately, it will happen.”"

This development stems from last spring’s Boston Marathon bombings, which caused leagues and teams to re-asses their security measures. The National Football League has already bulked up their security by limiting what fans can bring into NFL stadiums through their new bag policy.

"Skinner told The Associated Press after the panel that baseball will be making a presentation to its teams at the winter meetings in December in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Asked for more details, MLB spokesman Michael Teevan said the plans are still developing.“We have been reviewing our security procedures for many months and we will issue a security bulletin in 2014 that will include practices and procedures that are responsive to the new security environment,” Teevan said in an email. “Fan screening will be one of the subjects addressed. We are continuing to consult with our clubs, our experts and the Department of Homeland Security, and we expect to announce specific changes after some further off-season meetings.”"

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