[3appleshigh]

Stand-in ump a stand-up guy: Donates cash from bat incident to Waltham sports
By Christopher Rocchio/ Daily News Tribune
Friday, June 16, 2006 - Updated: 08:19 AM EST

This is one call nobody in Waltham will argue.

The stand-in umpire hit by a baseball bat during an April PawSox Triple-A game is sharing his settlement with his hometown.

“I always wanted to take the high road and have the settlement become a charitable donation,” Rick Cacciatore said yesterday.

The unassuming umpire was tossed into the sports spotlight April 26 after a minor-league star from the Durham Bulls flipped his bat back at Cacciatore after an argument over a third strike call.

The bat sailed end-over-end hitting Cacciatore square in the arm and chest. It was all caught on tape and played over and over for days.

“I was absolutely stunned,” said Cacciatore. “I never expected anything like that at this level, or any level for that matter.”

The player, Delmon Young, was suspended for 50 games and his settlement with Cacciatore is now benefiting youth baseball in Waltham. Young earns $500,000, making the suspension cost him approximately $145,000 in salary, ESPN reports.

Cacciatore’s lawyer Paul Litwin said the settlement totals less than $10,000, but it is still enough to provide equipment to Waltham High’s baseball team, as well as the city’s Little League and Babe Ruth League.

Cacciatore was serving as a substitute behind the plate in McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., that day during an early season strike by Triple-A umpires, so all eyes were on him already.

Cacciatore said he was upset by Young’s assault, but he’s moving on.

“I never thought of pressing charges,” he said.

But, he added, blaming the umpire is a trend he wants to strike out.

“We need to start trying to prevent incidents like this from happening at an early age,” said Cacciatore. “It’s completely wrong, and parents need to be spoken to as well because it all starts at home.”

Cacciatore said he plans to continue officiating both baseball and football games part-time.


God don't you just hate selfish people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!