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2 charged in connection with fight at baseball game in Milford
The fight started in the stands during an American Legion game and spilled onto the field.
Two people have been charged in connection with the brawl at an American Legion baseball game Monday night in Milford, police announced.
The fight started in the stands during the bottom of the fourth inning among fans watching the playoff game between Milford Post 59 and East Springfield. The fight then spilled onto the field, resulting in the stoppage of the game.
Eliezer Rosario Lebron, 19, of Holyoke is charged with assault and battery in connection with the fight, Milford police said. A 17-year-old male from Milford is also charged with assault, disturbing the peace, and affray, police said.
When the fight broke out, the game was tied, with two outs and the bases loaded. East Springfield was poised to take the lead with Milford facing elimination. American Legion Baseball fields amateur teams with players aged 13 to 19 across the country, according to its website.
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A livestream of the game shows a time out was called, with Milford TV’s play-by-commentator Tim Caouette noting that “fans are starting to get into it over on the third base side.”
“Absolute mayhem taking place over by the third base dugout as members of the Milford crowd have now come onto the warning track over on the third base side,” he said.
The broadcast appeared to show members of the East Springfield team throwing punches in the brawl after at least one fan ran onto the field before umpires could separate those involved. The Milford team was reportedly not near the fight.
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Police said officers responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting the fight, arriving at Fino Field just after 9 p.m. Upon arrival, police said while the fight had already broken up, a “verbal disturbance was still ongoing.”
Police made the decision to suspend the game around 9:25 p.m. Monday night, and since then, officers have been reviewing game footage and videos submitted by fans in an effort to identify those allegedly involved, the department said.
The two teams were set to take the field again Wednesday at 6 p.m. to resume the game in Milford. Police issued a set of guidelines for the event, including that no bags will be allowed other than transparent purses.
“There will be a heavy police presence at tonight’s game to ensure the safety of all players and fans,” police said.
Milford Post 59 said that there will be no seating behind home plate.
“Pending the outcome of the game, a second game will immediately follow,” the team said.
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