Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Jose Offerman Assaults Pitcher and Catcher With Bat
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Former major league All-Star Jose Offerman was arrested Tuesday night after charging the mound and hitting the pitcher and catcher with his bat during an independent minor league game.
Bridgeport police said Offerman was arrested, but did not detail the charge. Police said he posted bond.
Offerman, playing for the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League, homered in the first inning. The next inning, he was hit by a pitch from Bridgeport's Matt Beech and charged the mound with his bat.
Offerman hit Beech in the hands and struck catcher John Nathans in the head.
The game was delayed for about 20 minutes because of the melee. Offerman, Beech and Bridgeport manager and former major league pitcher Tommy John were all ejected.
There was no immediate update on the condition of Beech or Nathans.
Offerman batted .273 during his 15 seasons in the majors. He last played in the majors in 2005 with Philadelphia and the New York Mets. He was an All-Star in 1995 with the Dodgers and 1999 with Boston.
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Former major league All-Star Jose Offerman was arrested Tuesday night after charging the mound and hitting the pitcher and catcher with his bat during an independent minor league game.
Bridgeport police said Offerman was arrested, but did not detail the charge. Police said he posted bond.
Offerman, playing for the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League, homered in the first inning. The next inning, he was hit by a pitch from Bridgeport's Matt Beech and charged the mound with his bat.
Offerman hit Beech in the hands and struck catcher John Nathans in the head.
The game was delayed for about 20 minutes because of the melee. Offerman, Beech and Bridgeport manager and former major league pitcher Tommy John were all ejected.
There was no immediate update on the condition of Beech or Nathans.
Offerman batted .273 during his 15 seasons in the majors. He last played in the majors in 2005 with Philadelphia and the New York Mets. He was an All-Star in 1995 with the Dodgers and 1999 with Boston.
