Schott Will Have To Buy Ticket Can’t Enter Park In Capacity Of Owner After Interfering

Now Marge Schott can’t even go to Riverfront Stadium - unless she buys a ticket.

Baseball officials, concerned she is interfering with the Cincinnati Reds’ operations, banned Schott on Wednesday from entering her ballpark in the capacity of team owner.

“There are several major issues that need to be addressed,” National League president Len Coleman said at Wrigley Field, where he was watching the Cubs play Wednesday. “Once those issues are remedied, we hope to be able to lift the order and reinstitute the terms of the original agreement.”

Schott, facing a suspension from baseball’s executive council for her remarks about Adolf Hitler, women and Asians, agreed June 12 to give up day-to-day control of the team through the 1998 season.

“She’s basically not to be at the ballpark right now,” N.L. spokeswoman Katy Feeney said.

Feeney said Schott could buy a ticket and sit among the fans at Riverfront.

“If she bought a ticket, she could sit in her seat,” Feeney said.

Schott was not at the Reds’ games Tuesday night or Wednesday afternoon. She did not return a telephone message left at her home.

“I know it devastates her,” Reds manager Ray Knight said after Wednesday’s loss to St. Louis. “I know how important it is to her to go to the ballpark. The baseball team is hugely important to her. It’s the biggest part of her life.”

Before Wednesday’s edict Schott was allowed to enter the team offices, go on the field and watch games from her luxury box and front-row seat. And Schott, 67, took full advantage, accompanying children on the field before every game with her St. Bernard, Schottzie 02, in tow. She also has been in the team offices nearly as much as before June 12, according to employees.

Her power was limited to being consulted about negotiations with government officials about a new baseball stadium and approving or rejecting the annual budget.

Baseball toughened its sanctions one week after Schott sent Reds employees a one-page memo that said, “Contrary to what you may have been led to believe, I do not intend to disappear.”

The memo, obtained by The Associated Press, said that Schott had “decided to change my role concerning the day-to-day operation of the club until further notice.”

Schott said she was going to be involved in budgetary and stadium matters and she would ask for employees’ help from time to time. She also said she would require regular reports on those areas.

Schott has appointed controller John Allen to run the club while a long-term chief executive is selected. Several employees said Schott has made it clear she is unhappy with marketing changes implemented by Allen, who has offered reduced ticket prices and new promotions.