- A youth baseball tournament in Winter Haven erupted into a large brawl after a parent allegedly punched the father of a young umpire.
- Investigators identified 38-year-old Yosmany Guzman Fernandez as the man who allegedly struck the umpire's father following a coach warning.
- Police say the 21-year-old umpire, his father, and a bystander were attacked while the melee included Fernandez, coach Marcos Aballi, and Fernandez's son.
- Fernandez, coach Marcos Antonio Aballi, and Fernandez's 17-year-old son were arrested and charged with third-degree felony battery on a sports official.
WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA — A youth baseball tournament in Winter Haven descended into a sprawling fight Saturday evening after a parent allegedly punched the father of a young umpire during a dispute over an on-field warning. Video from the scene shows the confrontation spreading quickly as players and spectators rushed toward the stands area.
Dispute Over Warning Triggered Fight
Investigators identified Yosmany Guzman Fernandez, 38, as the man who confronted the umpire’s father after the umpire issued a warning to Marcos Antonio Aballi, 25, the coach of Fernandez’s son’s team. Fernandez allegedly struck the umpire’s father in the face, sparking the larger melee.
Umpire Drawn Into Melee
The 21-year-old umpire ran to help his father as the fight escalated. Police allege Aballi and Fernandez’s 17-year-old son joined in and attacked the umpire and his father during the chaos. A bystander who tried to intervene was also assaulted, investigators reported.
Three Arrested on Felony Charge
Fernandez, Aballi, and Fernandez’s 17-year-old son were taken into custody and charged with battery on a sports official during an event, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Fernandez also faces an additional simple battery charge.
In a statement, Police Chief Vance Monroe condemned the incident, saying youth tournaments should keep the focus on the athletes rather than adult behavior.
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