NEW YORK -- A New York Mets fan has been ejected from Shea
Stadium for three years after pleading guilty on Tuesday to shining
a high-powered flashlight at an Atlanta Braves pitcher and
shortstop during a game there last month.
Frank Martinez, 40, of the Bronx, also must spend 15 days behind
bars as part of his sentence for interfering with a professional
sporting event.
"In a game in which the ball can travel upward of 110 mph, the
defendant's actions were dangerous to both spectators and
players," Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a
statement.
Authorities said that on the evening of April 20, while seated
behind home plate, Martinez turned the beam on Braves pitcher
Tim Hudson and shortstop Edgar Renteria. The Braves were leading 7-0 at
the time.
Renteria complained to umpire Paul Emmel, who called time out
and alerted security. The security officers removed Martinez and
found "a small, streamline flashlight" in his backpack,
authorities said.