Yankees take extra measures to protect Guardians from their own fans

Apr 23, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Oscar Mercado (35) is walked away from the outfield stands after fans throw beer and water bottles at him after the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

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A day after fans threw trash at Guardians outfielders, the Yankees are taking extra safety precautions to protect opposing players.

Guardians outfielders Oscar Mercado and Myles Straw were targeted by Yankees fans after a comeback win by the home side. Straw even climbed the fence to yell at some Bronx supporters face to face, which surely isn’t a situation any player should ever find themselves in.

Fans can aim all the verbal vitriol they want at players (to a point, of course), but there is a line. When objects are thrown from the stands at players, that line has been crossed.

Prior to Sunday’s game against the Guardians, the Yankees added more security to the outfield to ensure Saturday’s unfortunate events do not repeat themselves.

Per the New York Post, “There will be extra security at Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon as the Yankees host the Guardians, a team spokesman said. About an hour before first pitch Sunday, there appeared to be a security guard stationed in the first row of the right-field seats and another in the section next to the Guardians’ bullpen in left-center field.”

Yankees protect Guardians from fans on Sunday

Even Yankees players rushed out to the outfield after their walk-off celebration, noticing the altercation happening near the Bleacher Creatures.

Baseball fans are passionate — it’s part of what makes the game great. And while it’s unfair to single out one team, this is not the first time fans in the Bronx have thrown trash at opposing players.

Yet, all around baseball and professional sports, fans are becoming more bold. Earlier this weekend a Padres fan threw a full beer on Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger.

Please, do not be that fan.