Sheffield got punched

Last night on Jason Varitek's two-run triple in right field at Fenway Park, a Red Sox fan reached out and sucker punched Gary Sheffield for no apparent reason. Simultaneously another fan threw their beer at Sheffield as well. Sheffield picked up the ball, shoved the fan, and threw the ball back in towards first base. Sheffield, who thought he had a busted lip, and had noticeably been punched in the face on the replay, went back after the fan with his fist cocked. The bullpen security guard ran between the two and separated them before a fight ensued. The New York Yankees bullpen ran over and a shouting match broke out for a while. The sucker punch fan was ejected, but not arrested. The Boston Red Sox released a statement promising more signs and more security on Friday to remind fans not to interfere with play.

Here's my problem with things. What right does a fan have to assault a player? I understand the NBA having a problem with Ron Artest going into the stands after the wrong person, but Sheffield had the right person, and that person punched him in the field of play. Sheffield also has the right to defend himself. In a country that has laws that support any person that asserts the right to defend himself, the fan is lucky that Sheffield thought twice about beating his dumb ass down. MLB is doing an investigation and they have talked about suspending Sheffield for his reaction. Why not suspend the fan for obviously punching a undefended player?

I know people want to support their home team, but they shouldn't advocate assaulting visiting players physically. Let your team win the game. Fans are nothing more than spectators. They have no real involvement in the game other than making noise. After the flare laced brawl at the soccer match in Milan this week, MLB really needs to remember player safety is more important than the fan experience.