Wrigley fan throws cellphone at Padres' Burroughs
Sean Burroughs, third baseman for the San Diego Padres. PHOTO/Eduardo JARAMILLO
CHICAGO, April 24 (AFP) For the second time in a week, a cellphone was thrown at a major league baseball player.
San Diego Padres third baseman Sean Burroughs said the cellphone grazed off his right foot shortly after Mark Grudzielanek grounded out in the eighth inning of the Padres' 2-1 win at Wrigley Field.
"I turned around and something hit my foot. I looked down and I saw the cellphone sitting there," Burroughs said. "I was stunned at first. It's dangerous, and it could hit you in the head, especially if it comes from on top with some velocity."
Burroughs handed the cellphone to third base umpire Gary Darling. A Cubs spokeswoman said it has been handed over to Chicago police, but that no arrest has been made.
"I guess it's just immature fans,"
Burroughs said. "I don't know if they were mad or what."
"I've been here for many years and I don't see fans at Wrigley
Field attacking anyone, so I'm kind of shocked," Cubs outfielder
Sammy Sosa said.
Texas Rangers outfielder Carl Everett was beaned in the back of the head with a cellphone last Saturday in a game at Oakland.
It is the third incident of rowdy behavior in Chicago in the past year. On 15 April, a fan ran out onto the field at US Cellular Field and tackled an umpire in a game between the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox. Last September, Royals coach Tom Gamboa was attacked by two fans at the same stadium.