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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 2:56 a.m., Thursday, February 12, 2009

MLB: Offerman sued for minor league bat attack

Associated Press

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Former Major League Baseball All-Star Jose Offerman is facing a federal lawsuit for a bat-wielding attack at a minor league game that injured two opposing players.

Bridgeport Bluefish catcher John Nathans filed the lawsuit Thursday against Offerman seeking $4.8 million in damages, saying the attack left him with permanent injuries that ended his career.

Offerman was granted probation in 2007, ordered to get anger management treatment and pay the medical expenses of Nathans and pitcher Matt Beech.

A telephone message was left Thursday with Offerman's lawyer, Frank Riccio.

Offerman was batting for the Long Island Ducks against the Bluefish in Bridgeport on Aug. 14, 2007, when Beech hit him with a fastball. Offerman charged the mound with his bat and swung at least twice, striking Beech and Nathans.