MLB to Implement Universal Code of Conduct for Fans at Stadiums in 2018

Baseball fans will have to behave at games starting with the 2018 season. 

"We are working with the clubs on security and fan conduct initiatives at all of our ballparks," MLB spokesman Michael Teevan said, per Scott Lauber of ESPN.com. "We will be issuing a league-wide fan code of conduct for the 2018 season."

Although teams around the league all have their own rules for fan actions at games, this would be the first set of universal guidelines for Major League Baseball.

One of the bigger incidents that caused this move was when Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones said he was the subject of racist taunts from Boston Red Sox fans in May. One fan in question was not only ejected from the game but also permanently banned from Fenway Park.

A Toronto Blue Jays fan who threw a beer can onto the field at the Rogers Centre in October 2016 faced a 12-month ban from all 30 stadiums while also receiving 12 months of probation.

Other fans have also earned ejections for various activities at ballparks around the country, but the new policy will create standardized rules for every team.

Every major professional league has some form of rules for fan conduct, although the NFL has the most thorough policy, enacted in 2008, and meant to "set clear expectations and encourage a stadium environment that is enjoyable for all fans."