DO NOT Mess with Jose Offerman

There's a certain novelty to independent league baseball. Unlike the minor leagues, which mostly consists of young hopefuls you've never heard of, the independent league is full of has beens who think they still have it, but clearly don't.

As a "fan" of the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League, I've seen John Rocker close up in the bull pen, Pete Rose's son on the base paths, Jose Offerman at 2nd base, and the Tommy John as manager.

However, I can't say that I have ever been at game where the pitcher and catcher got assaulted by a player with a baseball bat.

Last night, after getting hit by a ball thrown by a Bluefish pitcher, Jose Offerman, now of the Long Island Ducks, attacked the pitcher and catcher with his bat.

From an ESPN.com news brief:

"According to the Connecticut Post, Beech was hit on the hands as he attempted to defend himself, while catcher John Nathans was hit in the back of the head on Offerman's backswing. Police said Beech, a left-hander, sustained a broken right middle finger, and Nathans later suffered from nausea, the newspaper reported."

Offerman was once a soild Major Leaguer, playing for the Dodgers, Royals, Red Sox, and several other teams including the Mets.

Now, the Bluefish CEO is asking for Offerman to be banned from the Independent League for life.

Don't be surprised if Offerman is quickly snatched by a major league team. Guys with character issues seem to be a hot commodity in sports these days.

(Photo from AP/Christian Abraham (Connecticut Post))