Phillies to take bigger role in security matters

In the wake of an incident in which the use of a Taser to subdue a fan who ran onto the field generated both outrage and applause, the Phillies have issued a statement that also splits the difference.

While not specifically ruling out the use of Tasers in the future, which could have been interpreted as a criticism of the Philadelphia police officer who zapped 17-year-old Steven Consalvi of Gilbertsville after he ran into the outfield during Monday night's game against the Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park, the team said a decision had been reached to allow club-hired security to handle most such incidents in the future.

"The police department is conducting an investigation into the use of the Taser gun on the field jumper on Monday night," the statement read. "The Phillies have had discussions at the same time with the police department concerning incidents of field intrusion. It has been agreed that in ordinary circumstances involving field intrusion, the Phillies' game-day security personnel will make the apprehension of the field jumper and turn him over to the Philadelphia police on the field for handcuffing and subsequent charging."

Consalvi, who ran onto the field wearing a Phillies T-shirt and waving a towel, would seem to meet the definition of "ordinary circumstances." Only if the situation escalates will the police become involved.

"If greater force is necessary, requiring the assistance of Philadelphia police in making the apprehension, such assistance will be employed," the statement continued.

In the meantime, a lawyer representing Consalvi said that the high schooler and his family are sorry for what happened.

In a statement yesterday, attorney Steven O'Meara said Consalvi "knows that he committed a foolish act and is truly sorry for his actions" and went on to say that the entire family wants to apologize to the fans, the team, the police and ballpark security.

"His family hopes and prays that people will understand that teenagers do impulsive things," it added. "This young man has never been in trouble before and has learned a valuable lesson."

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey examined video of the arrest and determined that the officer acted within department guidelines, which allow officers to use a Taser on fleeing suspects.

Consalvi has been charged with defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

There had been some speculation that the use of a stun gun would act as a deterrent for other fans thinking of running onto the field. However, the very next night, 34-year-old Thomas Betz, of Warminster, interrupted play when he hopped the fence in the leftfield corner in the top of the ninth inning. He jogged slowly toward centerfield where he was surrounded and led away without a struggle.

He faces charges of marijuana possession, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and other counts.

"The Phillies will continue their policy of prosecuting all persons coming onto the field during a game to the maximum extent of the law, which could include imprisonment up to 1 year and a $2,500 fine," the team's statement concluded.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.