Baseball Hits bird, Player Could Face Charges

A minor-league pitcher in the Chicago Cubs organization has created a major flap after aiming for and knocking down an osprey from its perch with a baseball.

South Korean Jae-kuk Ryu of the Daytona Cubs could face animal cruelty charges for striking out at the bird Monday night at Florida's Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

"The bird's eye was gushing blood," Chad Efron, a trainer with the Port St. Lucie Mets told the Daytona Beach News-Journal. "I started yelling at [Ryu]. I got all fired up."

The bird, known locally as Ozzy, had been nesting with its mate and chicks on a 40-foot light pole over left field, when it was struck after several pitches by Ryu during pre-game practice time.

"He laughed when he missed," Efron, said. "Then he acted like he was sorry when the bird was laying there."

The osprey is being treated for a serious eye injury at the Animal Clinic of Edgewater, Fla., where veterinarians are using anti-inflammatory drugs and are trying to get Ozzy to eat.

"We're just keeping him warm and quiet," said technician Jennifer Rosenfeldt. "It's unfortunate that people don't have respect for nature."

Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are tight-lipped about its investigation into the incident, but it says ospreys are recognized by the state as a species of special concern, meaning their habitats are vulnerable.

Wounding or killing one is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail.

"You can't intentionally harm an animal," said Daytona Beach Animal Control officer Melody Baum. "If somebody deliberately threw the ball, it's animal cruelty."

"I've got to look and see what happened," Cubs manager Rick Kranitz said. "I'm sure the intention was not to kill the bird."

According to WKMG-TV in Orlando, angry phone calls and e-mails have been pouring into the park, with most messages suggesting the pitcher be punished for his actions.

This is not the first incident involving baseball players hitting birds with balls.

In March 2001, pitcher Randy Johnson of the Arizona Diamondbacks struck a dove in mid-flight as he delivered a pitch in a spring-training game against the San Francisco Giants. The dove was instantly pulverized.

In 1983, Yankees outfielder Dave Winfield killed a seagull in Toronto with a warmup throw. Police charged him with animal cruelty, though the charge was later dropped.

He's an unfeeling, cruel, sadistic SOB. I hope the fans boo him.

I agree. Ospreys have a tough time of it. I'm wondering what will happen to this mom and chicks. This species of birds depends on both parents for survival. I've watched them for hours. They are tenacious in defending their nests from other birds that will kill their offspring. Without the male, the female will have to leave the chick defenseless while searching for food. I suspect the chicks won't make it. Will be a surprise if the male makes it. Doesn't sound good for him. Wonder how many kids were in the park watching the warmup and picking up on the lesson that targeting nesting ospreys is great sport.

Update

(they must have received a lot of hate email - the pair had been living in the park for a long time - Ospreys are one of the species of birds that select a mate for life)

CUBS ANNOUNCE ANIMAL CLINIC FUNDRAISER

The Daytona Cubs have designated Friday, April 25th as Ozzy & Harriet Night at the Ballpark in reference to the pair of Ospreys that for a long time have called Jackie Robinson Ballpark home.

One of the Ospreys was hit by a baseball purportedly thrown by Cubs Pitcher Jae Kuk Ryu. Animal Control Officers were summoned and the bird was taken to the Animal Clinic of Edgewater for medical treatment.

“The Daytona Cubs had no knowledge of this type of activity and further would never condone animal abuse actions. We ask that the community please understand that the alleged actions of one player do not erase the efforts of the remainder of the Daytona Cubs team in community events, fundraising, and other positive activities,” stated Daytona Cubs General Manager Buck Rogers. “The Daytona Cubs, as well as the entire community, greatly regret any harm that comes to any bird or animal, especially our very own Osprey, Ozzy. Hundreds of calls and emails have come into our office and we will respond to all of them.”

On Friday night, the Daytona Cubs will conduct a fundraiser benefiting the Animal Clinic of Edgewater, a veterinary clinic that relies solely upon donations for its operations.

The Daytona Cubs will be auctioning off season tickets and other baseball paraphernalia. The Chicago Cubs have donated autographed baseballs from Chicago Cubs Manager Dusty Baker, Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, Moises Alou, and will also donate $1 per person of the number fans in attendance at the game. Andy Dunn, the VP of Brevard Operations of the Montreal Expos, has donated the use of a luxury suite at Space Coast Stadium for a future Daytona Cubs game and $250 cash. Daytona Cubs owner Andy Rayburn will match the entire amount raised on this fundraiser.

“From our ownership down to our front office staff, we share the anguish of the community surrounding this tragic event. When it came to our attention that the Animal Clinic of Edgewater exists on private donations, we decided that a fundraiser to assist the people responsible for healing Ozzy is something positive that can come out of this negative incident,” said Rogers.

Animal Technician Jennifer Rosenfeldt, of the Animal Clinic of Edgewater, when informed of Friday’s fundraiser, replied, “I think it’s fantastic that you’re taking this step.”

For more information, call Daytona Cubs General Manager Buck Rogers at (386) 257-3172.

"Wonder how many kids were in the park watching the warmup and picking up on the lesson that targeting nesting ospreys is great sport."

The one thing so great about the Minor Leagues is the player access to the fans. There were probably lot of kids who idolized him. I hope the kids were also aware of the Ozzie/Harriet 'pets' up in that nest.

This guy is going to wish he could relive that whole day, and make a few changes!

I'm glad that Ospreys have made a comeback. We have a large nesting area, here in NJ and the nests are increasing. I love seeing these little families up so high.

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Minor-league Cubs player strikes out at osprey in nest

Update