Texas Rangers reliever Frank Francisco was arrested Tuesday morning after throwing a chair into the crowd, striking one fan in the head and breaking another's nose, according to an article on ESPN.com.
Francisco was brought into the Oakland Police Department where he was charged with aggravated battery. He posted bond early Tuesday morning and was released, but Texas Rangers officials did not return calls from the associated press. Later on Tom Hicks, owner of the baseball club, issued a statement of apology on behalf of Francisco and the entire organization.
The spectator who was injured, an unidentified woman, was said to be pressing charges, according to the vice president of stadium operations in Oakland.
With two outs in the ninth inning, Rangers' Alfonso Soriano tied the game at five with his second homerun of the night. When Hank Blalock stepped to the plate seconds later, the Texas bench and bullpen cleared out. Texas relief pitcher Doug Brocail was seen screaming at a fan and had to be restrained, after the two exchanged insults. Other players also had to be held back.
Francisco then threw a chair into the right-field box seats. The chair hit one man on his head, bounced, and struck the woman on her left temple. Security ran to the scene and temporarily cleared out a small section of fans.
There was talk amongst the umpires and managers about suspending the game and declaring a forfeit. No ejections were made. The Rangers had requested extra security in the area before the game began, but, according to Oakland Athletics stadium manager David Rinetti, no request was made.
Play resumed 19 minutes later when security and managers regained control. The Athletics won 7-6 in the 10th inning.
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