Stadium Bomber Faces Prison after hitting Ray Fosse with Cherry Bomb
June 24, 1970 In the Yankees’ fifth, with a runner at second base, New York pitcher Stan Bahnsen tried to bunt the baserunner to third but missed the ball. Fosse threw the baseball back to Indian pitcher Mike Paul. As Fosse stood behind home plate, waiting for Paul to go to the pitcher’s mound, a cherry bomb was thrown from the upper deck of Yankee Stadium. It exploded four feet from the ground and landed at the instep of Fosse’s right foot. “I saw that thing land at my feet, but I didn’t have time to do anything, he said. Fosse covered his head to protect his eyes as a reflex, but felt the pain, like a torch burning in his foot. The cherry bomb burned through his spikes and both pairs of socks. Indians trainer Wally Bock feared that Fosse had been shot. But the catcher insisted that he return to the game. He was treated for ten minutes and continued to play. (this was taken from his SABR Biography)
The ‘‘fan*’ accused of throwing the cherry bomb that struck Cleveland catcher Ray Fosse in the fifth inning of yesterday’s second game at the Stadium faces certain imprisonment. He is Louis Kspada. 24, of 615 E. 140th St.. Bronx.
He was taken to the 44th Precinct and then to the 42d Precinct for formal charging on four counts: Two of a felony, one misdemeanor, and one violation. The felonies are Possession of a dangerous weapon and assault: the misdemeanor: Unlawful possession of fireworks; the violation: Disorderly conduct.
He can be jailed for a total of two years and seven months if found guilty on all four counts.
Fosse went to the station home to sign affidavits and file personal charges. Other persons joined him as supporting witnesses. Fosse sustained bums on his right foot, instep, and sole when struck by the missile.
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