By Compiled from Times wires
Published May 23, 2003
LOS ANGELES - Jason Romano is aware of recent history, so the 23-year-old rookie didn't hesitate when he saw a fan on the field at Dodger Stadium approaching teammate Brian Jordan.
Romano tackled him.
"You have to be thinking of the way things have been the last couple of years," said Romano, a Hillsborough High graduate. "Knowing the way the world is today, you have to do something."
And so Romano did do something with two outs in the top of the ninth Wednesday night before the fan, identified as 26-year-old Oscar Villanueva, was taken from the field by stadium security.
The game, won by the Dodgers 3-2 against the Rockies, was delayed only briefly.
The Dodgers said Thursday that Villanueva was charged with trespassing.
Royals first baseman Tom Gamboa was attacked by a father and son during a game in Chicago in September, and umpire Laz Diaz was accosted by a fan at the same ballpark last month.
Villanueva came onto the field during a break in the action, while manager Jim Tracy and others were checking on reliever Eric Gagne, who deflected Greg Norton's infield single with his pitching hand.
"The fan had his hand out like he wanted to meet me," said Jordan, who had moved from centerfield to left in the eighth, when Romano was inserted in center. "He tried to fake security out a little then came my bodyguard from centerfield. It was impressive. I saw the fan run and fake then Romano just blasted him.
"I knew he didn't mean any harm, but I knew he was going to pay for it somehow."
Said Romano: "I hit him shoulder to shoulder like a football tackle. He came after BJ to shake his hand or something. I was in a dead sprint; saw him put his hands up, and I hit him."
Yankees lose CF Williams
NEW YORK - Yankees centerfielder Bernie Williams has torn cartilage in his left knee and likely will need surgery that will sideline him for 4-6 weeks.
Williams has been bothered by a sore knee and had an MRI on Thursday. The team physician recommended arthroscopic surgery. Williams will get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., before making his final decision.
Outfielder Juan Rivera will be recalled. He likely will play leftfield with Hideki Matsui shifting to center.
Also, Roger Clemens, hit on the right hand by a line drive Wednesday, said he is confident he will pitch Monday. X-rays revealed a bone bruise, and he is scheduled to throw in the bullpen today.
DIAMONDBACKS: Pitcher Miguel Batista's 10-game suspension was upheld, but his fine was reduced from $2,500 to $1,500. Batista hit St. Louis' Tino Martinez with a pitch April 20. Later, when Martinez charged the mound, Batista threw the baseball at Martinez.
INDIANS: C.C. Sabathia, his sprained left ankle wrapped, worked out and said he felt okay. The left-hander was hurt when he stepped on the foot of Detroit's Dmitri Young during a play at first Wednesday.
METS: Infielder Jay Bell was put on the 15-day DL, and first baseman Mo Vaughn was transferred to the 60-day DL. Bell, the ninth Met to go on the DL this season, strained his right groin Wednesday. Vaughn has an injured knee. New York brought up left-hander Pedro Feliciano.
Also, reliever John Franco pitched 11/3 innings for Class A St. Lucie and is scheduled to pitch on consecutive days for the first time since elbow surgery May 15, 2001.
PIRATES: Outfielder Matt Stairs was placed on the 15-day DL because of a torn ligament in his right index finger sustained while swinging Sunday. Outfielder Adam Hyzdu was recalled.
REDS: Shortstop Barry Larkin went back on the 15-day DL with a strained calf. Larkin, 39, hurt his right calf while running the bases Wednesday. Tests found no tear. He was on the DL from April 14 to May 5 after straining his left calf.
