HOUSTON — Astros pitcher Brandon Backe was among 10 people arrested during a brawl with police at a weekend wedding reception in a Galveston, Texas, hotel bar.
The bride’s father, 19-year- old brother and a FEMA coordinator were also arrested Sunday at the hotel, a command center for emergency workers after Hurricane Ike went through Galveston Island on Sept. 13.
Backe, a member of the wedding party, ignored police orders to back away from the fight, and struggled with officers who attempted to handcuff him, according to police reports.
One officer said he hit Backe twice in the face before handcuffing him. The officer and Backe suffered minor injuries during the fight, according to the police report.
“Since this is a legal matter, any further comment on our part would be inappropriate,” Astros spokesman Jimmy Stanton said.
Backe, 30, was charged with interfering with a police officer and resisting arrest, said Joel H. Bennett, Galveston County assistant criminal district attorney. Both charges are misdemeanors. He was released on $1,500 bond.
Schilling ponders comeback.
Curt Schilling is considering coming back next year — for half the season.
The Red Sox right-hander, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery June 23, said he might try to pitch in 2009 under the right circumstances.
“I won’t come back for a full season, that much I know. If I do decide to come back, I would work to the point I was ready and somewhere around May 1 let the teams know I wanted to pitch the second half,” he said.
Bard, Estes free agents
SAN DIEGO — The Padres opened space on their 40-man roster when catcher Josh Bard and left-hander Shawn Estes — both former Rockies — cleared outright waivers and chose to become free agents.
The Padres, meanwhile, are pursuing a grievance against shortstop Khalil Greene for breaking his left hand when he punched a storage chest out of frustration. The Padres are trying to recoup a prorated portion of Greene’s $4.5 million salary. He missed the final 52 games.
Weeks undergoes surgery
MILWAUKEE — Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks had surgery to repair a cartilage tear in his left knee and is expected to be ready for spring training.
The Associated Press
