Ex-MLBer Offerman denies swinging at players

A minor league baseball player hit by former major leaguer Jose Offerman in a 2007 baseball bat attack won nearly $1 million in a lawsuit on Tuesday, an attorney said. (Douglas Healey/AP)

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Former major leaguer Jose Offerman says he didn’t swing his bat at two other players or cause their injuries in scuffle during a 2007 minor league baseball game in Connecticut.

Offerman testified Friday at a civil trial in federal court in Bridgeport. He’s being sued for allegedly attacking two Bridgeport Bluefish players after being hit by a pitch during a comeback bid with the Long Island Ducks.

The lawsuit says catcher Johnathan Nathans suffered a head injury when Offerman charged the mound and swung his bat. He’s suing Offerman and the Ducks for $4.5 million.

Offerman was charged with felony assault after the incident but was granted a probation program that resulted in the charges being dismissed.

Offerman played for the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and other teams during a 15-year career.

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