Bob Watson breaks Tim Foli’s jaw and gets peppered with debris 

On July 8 , 1973 –At Montreal, Tommy Helms’ two-run single caps a ninth-inning comeback for Astros  9-7 victory in Montreal. Cesar Cedeno clubs two home runs and Doug Rader adds a solo shot.

The real fireworks came when Bob Watson breaks SS Tim Foli’s jaw while sliding into second. Watson raised his forearm in defense, and Foli ran face-first into it. He flew backwards, landed on the infield and lay on his back, blood pouring out of his ears. Foli was carried off the field on a stretcher and lost 2 teeth in the incident. His X rays will later confirm the injury and his jaw was wired shut. He is expected to miss at least a month of the season. Watson a big man and 6-3, 206 pounds vs Foli who is a mare 170 pounds.

“I don’t know what he was thinking about but he charged right at me,” Watson said, pointing to his forearm. “He ran into me right there. I hit him hard. I knew he was hurt. His glasses flew 40-50 feet. After that, I just walked to the base. Then I looked at him and said, “oh no.” I thought I might have killed him. Read more on this story and Bob Watson on RIP Baseball. 

Watson upon returning to Leftfield was showed with debris from the angry fans at Parc Jarry, Watson claimed an apple whizzed by his ear.  Umpire Shag Crawford warned the crowd that any ball that touched the debris would be ruled an out.

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