Sports teams around the country started restricting what fans could bring into stadiums after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
The Yankees' Web site lists bans on backpacks, briefcases, coolers, large purses, laptop computers and video cameras. Bottles and cans also are on the forbidden list, but the sunscreen question is not specifically addressed.
The New York Post reported Tuesday that Yankees fans were hot and bothered over the weekend because of a crackdown on sunscreen.
The newspaper said security guards confiscated garbage bags full of the stuff at entrances to the stadium when the team played Saturday and Sunday day games in 90-plus weather.
Zillo said the Yankees have banned sunscreen containers larger than 3 ounces for several years but the restriction was eased in the last few days and sunscreen is now permitted.
"Our No. 1 priority is always going to be our fan safety," Zillo said. "That's why these policies were put in place in the first place."
Major League Baseball, which promotes skin-cancer prevention through its "Play Sun Smart" program, leaves security measures up to teams.
New York's other team, the Mets, allows sunscreen.
Sean Rachau, a spokesman for the Arizona Diamondbacks in sun-baked Phoenix, said that team has never banned sunscreen.
Rachau noted that the Diamondbacks have a retractable roof that is closed during the hottest months.
"I imagine people would wear sunscreen when the roof is open," he said.
The Yankees' former policy banning sunscreen was similar to the air-travel restrictions enforced by the federal Transportation Security Administration.
Under TSA rules, all liquids, gels and aerosols must be in 3-ounce or smaller containers.
The Yankees and Mets are both in their final seasons in their current homes. Both are building new ballparks next door to their existing stadiums.
