Authorities have been poking around U.S. Cellular Field and Wrigley Field for the last several weeks after receiving several tips that White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and Cubs manager Mike Quade may have violated Illinois Child Labor laws in regards to their play of Brent Lillibridge and Tony Campana, respectively.
“At this point we are merely investigating,” said Sharon McIntosh of the Illinois Department of Labor. “No charges have yet been filed against either manager or organization.”
The current Child Labor Act stipulates that “authorized work performed by children under age 16 be done between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. except for June 1 through Labor Day, when work is allowed until 9 p.m.” Both Lillibridge and Campana do not turn 16 until 2012, and therefore their play in night games may be in violation of the act.
“I’m pretty sure [Campana] doesn’t consider this work,” said Quade. “Yesterday the kid stuck a dandelion he found in the outfield up his nose. I’m not worried about it.”
Quade and Guillen both said they could produce parental permission slips for each player.
“Brent’s mom said it’s fine,” said Guillen. “Heck, she brings Sunny D and Rice Krispie treats to the park every Sunday home game for the whole team.”
Guillen added that A.J. Pierzynski had discussed becoming Lillibridge’s legal guardian who could travel with him at all times, which may ease concerns of the Department of Labor, but the red tape might be too thick since the Sox catcher was caught buying the young utility player beer last season.
