Reliever throws chair into stands
Frankie Francisco of the Texas Rangers threw a chair into the stands in 2004, reportedly aiming for Craig Bueno, an A’s season ticket-holder who frequently heckled opposing pitchers from his seat near the bullpen. He ducked, and the chair hit his wife. Craig Bueno admitted he had been taunting Rangers relief pitcher Doug Brocail, who yelled back. The situation deteriorated, and videotapes show several Texas pitchers, including Carlos Almanzar, apparently trying to climb over a short wall into the stands. Francisco was charged with aggravated battery. He reached an out of court settlement with Mrs. Bueno and was suspended by MLB and as sentenced to 30 days in jail in Texas after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge in the incident. The end of his criminal case came with the understanding that he’d be released after 19 days in a work-furlough program.