Jose Offerman's final swing as a professional did not strike a baseball, but a human head.Offerman, who was attempting a comeback with the Long Island Ducks of the Independent League, charged the mound with bat in tow Tuesday night. Very bad idea.
Offerman was arrested after the game and later charged with second-degree assault.
Ironically, it all started with a home run by Offerman, who in 15 seasons in the Majors hit only 57. Bridgeport pitcher Matt Beech drilled Offerman in the leg to retaliate, and something in Offerman erupted.
Catcher John Nathans took a blow to the head on one of Offerman's backswings, while Beech escaped with only a broken finger on his non-throwing hand.
The incident likely spells the end of a once-admirable comeback story for the 39 year-old Offerman, who along with a handful of other former Major Leaguers had hoped the Ducks would be a stepping stone back to the Bigs.
If indeed Offerman is banned from the Independent League, it will be interesting to see if the event becomes a precedent for other professional leagues, including the Majors.
It's a black eye on the sport when something like this happens at any level, but what will Bud Selig do if Delmon Young goes on a bat-wielding rampage at Yankee Stadium? It's scary, but it could happen.
3 comments:
After a less than intelligent move, maybe Offerman will now realize that his playing days, like Rickey's and Julio's are done. Just because you have a couple of 40 year olds that are doing well does NOT mean Jose offerman is going to make it back to the bigs. His name was never one that struck fear in the heart of the opposing starter. As for precedent, I think a heavy suspension similar to Artest and the other thugs from the "Rumble in the Palace" would suffice. Banning for losing your head in a moment like that seems too harsh- guess it would depend on the damage inflicted. Knowing Bud, he'd find some way to screw up the penalty though. Enjoy retirement Jose.
Not that Offerman was ever great, but what a long way to fall. From accomplished Major Leaguer to hitting people with bats at an independent minor league game. How's that for a legacy.
He's pretty much had a life of committing errors. They used to happen (all to often) while fielding grounders, now it is just a major error in temperment.
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