Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Three Arrested After Winter Haven Youth Baseball Brawl That Injured Umpire

Police say the conflict began when a 21-year-old umpire warned a coach during a travel tournament.

Overview

  • Officers responded around 6:20 p.m. Saturday to the Chain of Lakes Complex in Winter Haven during a multi-team travel event.
  • Investigators report that 38-year-old Yosmany Fernandez confronted and punched the umpire’s father in the stands after the warning.
  • The umpire left the field to aid his father and was punched by 25-year-old Marcos Aballi as a 17-year-old player kicked the umpire during the melee.
  • The umpire and his father suffered injuries, and the umpire was treated at a hospital.
  • Police charged Aballi, Fernandez and the 17-year-old with battery on a sports official, and noted Fernandez had prior encounters with the victims; the two adults were booked into the Polk County Jail.