Panama's national baseball championships are facing significant security issues. Recent incidents, such as a brawl at the Roberto 'Flaco Bala' Hernández stadium in Las Tablas that left over a dozen injured, have put safety back in the spotlight. Despite a regulation requiring a doctor or paramedic to be present at stadiums, matches are often marred by a limited or absent police and private security presence, as well as a lack of ambulances on-site. These security gaps have led to a series of past incidents, including mass brawls between players and fans. A notable example is the 2007 incident at Rod Carew stadium, where players were injured after objects were thrown following a match between Panama Metro and Herrera. In response, the Panamanian Baseball Federation (Fedebeis) has imposed disciplinary sanctions on several players and coaches. However, questions remain about why existing rules, such as the prohibition on glass containers, metal detectors, and baggage size restrictions, are not always enforced. As an international benchmark, one can look at the security policies of the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. While the Federation has not commented on the lack of police and ambulances, the National Police reported arrests and stated they were not contacted by Fedebeis to provide security for the game. These incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of existing rules and a potential review of safety protocols to ensure the well-being of players and spectators.
