Police abruptly closed the riverfront walkway outside PNC Park's right field facade this evening, clearing out fans who had hoped to snag a baseball hit during All-Star Game batting practice or the Home Run Derby.

Pirate spokesman Jim Trdinich said the city closed the walkway for safety reasons after one fan jumped into the Allegheny River for a ball hit during batting practice.

The decision did not sit well with many of the 200 or so who had gathered, some with their baseball gloves.

"This is ridiculous," said Keith Schell of Brighton Heights. Mr. Schell had already claimed one ball hit during batting practice and was hoping for more.

If one person jumped into the river, Mr. Schell said, it was not fair to clear out every one. Instead, only the offender should have been punished, he said.

"I've been coming down to this river for five years" to get balls during batting practice and games," he said. "I've been waiting for this day for five years."

Meanwhile, people in small boats and kayaks had gathered offshore to wait for balls.

There were 40 to 50 kayakers, a dozen canoes, a couple of jet skis, dozens of motor boats and two air mattresses carrying passengers.

Lance Berkman of the Houston Astros hit one ball into the river during the early part of the first round of the derby.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.