Jose Offerman charged for assault with bat, suspended

Former major league All-Star Jose Offerman was charged on two counts and suspended indefinitely.

Jose Offerman charged for assault with bat, suspended Long Island Ducks shortstop Jose Offerman has been charged with two counts of assault, when during the minor league game he attacked and hit the opposing team's pitcher and catcher on Tuesday. He is out on bond and is expected in court on August 23rd.

Jose Offerman was playing for the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League against the Bridgeport Bluefish when he was hit in the leg by a pitch from the starter Matt Beech. Offerman attacked both Matt Beech and hit the catcher John Nathans. Nathans was hit in the head and sustained a concussion, Matt Beech dodged the bat and left the game with only a broken middle finger on his right hand. Both Bridgeport Bluefish had to be taken to hospital and treated, fortunately with no serious injuries.

"Luckily for Matt Beech, he was agile enough to dodge a bat. But it may have only been John Nathans taking one on the backswing in the head to have saved Matt Beech from really taking one in the face," Bridgeport Bluefish pitcher Mike Porzio was quoted saying by the Connecticut Post. The Long Island Ducks wont the game 13-12, but the brawl left a bitter taste.

Earlier this morning the Atlantic League executive director Joe Klein announced that Jose Offerman has been suspended indefinitely and his future in the league will be decided within a few days.

Published on 08/15/2007