Overview
- Police say the confrontation began after a 21-year-old umpire issued a warning to coach Marcos Aballi at the Chain of Lakes Complex in Winter Haven.
- Investigators report that Yosmany Guzman Fernandez punched the umpire’s father in the stands, Aballi struck the umpire, and a 17-year-old player kicked the umpire while he was on the ground.
- The umpire was hospitalized and treated for injuries after the bench-clearing fight, which was captured on video released by Winter Haven police.
- Aballi, Fernandez, and the 17-year-old are charged with battery on a sports official during an event, and Fernandez also faces an additional battery count.
- Police Chief Vance Monroe condemned the conduct, and investigators noted prior negative encounters between Fernandez and the umpire.