Thursday, August 16, 2007

The Wide World of Sports

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) - Jose Offerman was having a pretty good summer. Then in a flash, things went flying out of control. Looking for a last chance in the majors, the two-time All-Star turned violent at a minor league game Tuesday night. Hit by a fastball, Offerman charged the mound with his bat and swung at least twice, striking the opposing pitcher and catcher. Offerman, playing for the Long Island Ducks, was arrested on assault charges. The independent Atlantic League suspended him indefinitely Wednesday and expected to make a final decision by the end of the week.
City police, providing security during the game, arrested Offerman. He was charged with two counts of second-degree assault. Offerman posted $10,000 bond and is due in Bridgeport Superior Court August 23.

I guess “Duck” would have been good advice for Matt Beech, the pitcher whom Offerman hit. The thing that struck me [pun intended] about this story was that assault charges were filed against him. Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t they have fights at hockey games like … 12 times a day? I’ve yet to see anyone arrested, although I think it would be a nice idea.
Do independent baseball leagues operate under different rules than other sports? Technically, couldn’t the pitcher also be arrested on assault charges for throwing the baseball at him?

Offerman "faces a lifetime suspension from the league." Big deal. He's ... like, 50 years old. Grab a bat, grandpa. They'll suspend you for life.

1 comment:

Sparky Duck said...

The pitcher would face charges if Jose wanted to press charges. May not be the best idea from the guy under arrest