Baseball Magazine Vendor Takes on Cubs, City

CHICAGO (AP) — A dispute over a magazine sold on a public sidewalk by the Chicago Cubs' stadium pits a one-man publisher against team owners and the city.

A judge recently ruled Matt Smerge can no longer sell "Chicago Baseball" next to Wrigley Field as he's done for 19 years, and must move across the street.

Smerge hoped for booming profits as the Cubs make a playoff run.

The legal fight stems from a lawsuit he filed when police ticketed him for selling on the sidewalk. He alleged a violation of free-speech rights.

But the judge said the city has legitimate concerns about pedestrian congestion caused by peddlers like Smerge.

He'll ask an appeals court Monday for an emergency ruling letting him sell magazines at the same spot at least through the playoffs.

(Story by: Michael Tarm, The Associated Press)