Temp Seats on the playing field?

[bandit12]

I was watching the Orioles vs White Sox at Comiskey in the 1983 ALCS yesterday on MLB tv. Coincidentally the only O's game that I haven't been blacked out from in three years. http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=90008

But I noticed on both sides of the field past the tarps there were about 3-4 rows of fans sitting in folding chairs. No wall, a rope or anything between them and the playing surface. I couldn't believe this was allowed even as late as '83. I know this was the norm for the outfield in the golden era of baseball. But, it was quite comical watching the fans whenever a hard ground ball went in their direction.

Anyone have an idea if this might have been the last time this was ever allowed?

[davewashere]

I watched that game when it was on the other day, but I guess I wasn't paying close enough attention to notice the seats on the playing field. It's amazing how much the game has changed in the past 25 years. Britt Burns had pitched a great game, but I doubt there are many managers today who would have sent him out to pitch the 10th inning after throwing 142 pitches in the previous 9 innings.

[bandit12]

I watched that game when it was on the other day, but I guess I wasn't paying close enough attention to notice the seats on the playing field. It's amazing how much the game has changed in the past 25 years. Britt Burns had pitched a great game, but I doubt there are many managers today who would have sent him out to pitch the 10th inning after throwing 142 pitches in the previous 9 innings.

What amazed me the most is how weak the Baltimore offense was in 83 once you got past Ripken and Murray. They still won it all in spite of that.

I recorded the game on my dvr. I will see if I can get it on here one way or another.

[MattD1972]

I still cringe when thinking about Burns going out for ther 10th.

In 1986, the Mets had a few rows added for the postseason. Their only shot at beating Mike Scott ended when a pop foul by Alan Ashby went into the temporary seats - he homered the next pitch. The temporary wall also collapsed during game 7 of the World Series when fans tried to reach for a foul ball.