[greymule]

So, assaulting an official they let slide, but assaulting a teammate, that they prosecute?

Only because the victim pressed charges. I don't know whether or not there was an actual conviction, but the judge did ban the assailant from any park where that league was playing a game. Although the prosecutor did contact me for my version of the incident, this recent deposition was for a civil suit that the victim has filed. Apparently the assailant continues to harass his former teammate, insults him, threatens to get him, etc.

A few years ago, a gang of Crips executed a coordinated invasion of a Trenton slow-pitch game with the intent to attack a particular player. There was quite a fight, and though the players actually got the best of it, several suffered minor injuries. The police arrived (eventually) but, because they hadn't "actually witnessed" the attack, refused to make any arrests, even though several guys had obvious injuries. In fact, with nobody dead, the authorities pursued the matter no further except that they put two cops in the park the next night. (Lesson: If you ever see an inner-city youth beating a girl bloody, ignore it.)

I will add my voice to those opposed to creating special classes of victims, especially based on their supposed historical "victimhood." Whatever happened to equal protection of the laws? Still, I would allow that people performing official (or officials') duties might constitute a special case.

A few years ago, my son's high school was put on "lockdown" and a SWAT unit dispatched because somebody found in the trash can outside the building . . . hold on, you're not going to believe this . . . a cardboard box that had once contained, according the label, a spring-loaded BB pistol. I mean, that thing will put a hole in a piece of paper at five yards! They eventually let the kids go home, but I'll tell you, it was weeks before I dared venture outside.