Sports

Social Media Changes Rascals' Minds About $5 Ball Fine

The O'Fallon team's management put a quick end to the policy after negative reaction on Facebook and Twitter.

ESPN reported last week that an official with the River City Rascals has announced the reversal of a policy that would have charged players and coaches for throwing baseballs to fans in the stands.

The O'Fallon team's management had posted a sign in the home dugout at T.R. Hughes Ballpark that read:

Players and coaches will now be fined $5 for each ball that is tossed into the stands. We ask that you return every ball back to the dugout, including at the end of innings and games. Fines will be levied to and taken directly from your paycheck. Also, please refrain from conversing with fans on this policy. Thank you.

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A photo of the sign was posted on Twitter on July 24, and followers scolded management for the new policy. "You have got to be kidding me." said one Twitter user. 

"Cheap Rascals . . ." another said.

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By the next day, the club had reversed that policy.

"We have reversed it but won't be discussing it any further at ownership's request," general manager Dan Dial told ESPN.


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