Identity of suspect in Toronto's beer-throwing incident revealed
An unruly fan nearly ruined Toronto’s 5-2 victory in the AL wild-card game after throwing a beer-can in the direction of Orioles left fielder Hyun Soo Kim during a live play. Now Toronto Police are seeking help to track down the suspect — whom the Toronto Sun has identified as Ken Pagan — who left Orioles players angry and the Blue Jays organization apologetic.
Toronto Police released the above photo of the alleged suspect on Wednesday. They had no other information on the man Toronto Mayor John Tory described as a “loon-ball,” other than what he was wearing and where he was seated.
The Toronto Sun has not only put a name to the face, they’ve also revealed Pagan is an employee of Postmedia, which owns the Sun itself. He’s reported to be an award-winning journalist, a former baseball player and a fan with an “encyclopedic knowledge” of the game.
Here’s more from the Sun’s report:
On Tuesday night, Pagan, who was at the game after work, said he’d been advised by his lawyer, Frank Genesee, not to speak about the incident but did suggest the police may have it wrong.
“I was drinking out of a cup,” Pagan told Postmedia, and suggested Twitter photos that show him after the can was tossed clearly indicate he had a cup in his hand. “I’d love to tell you what happened and my story … but I can’t say anything.”
Based on the report, it’s believed Pagan has been or will be cooperating with police in an attempt to clear his name. He’s reportedly shaken by the allegations, and has urged the Toronto Sun to offer a $1000 reward to capture the real perpetrator.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Blue Jays released a statement condemning the fan’s action while apologizing to the Orioles organization and Major League Baseball for another dangerous interruption.
Statement from the Toronto Blue Jays. pic.twitter.com/Ux7xdI89H6
— Blue Jays (@BlueJays) October 5, 2016
The statement reads:
The Toronto Blue Jays would like to express our extreme disappointment for the incident that occurred during last night’s American League Wild Card game at Rogers Centre involving an object being thrown onto the field of play.
Throughout this season, we have witnessed an incredible level of fan engagement, with a passionate and loyal fan base that extends across Canada. On the heels of one of the most competitive and exhilarating baseball games in our club’s history, it is extremely unfortunate that the irresponsible actions of one individual would detract from the game on the field, and tarnish an otherwise memorable night.
We would like to offer our sincere apologies and regrets to the entire Baltimore Orioles organization, its manager and players, as well as Major League Baseball for this embarrassing incident.
The safety of our fans, staff, players and visiting teams is paramount. We’re cooperating with the authorities to identify the individual involved, and the individual responsible is not welcome back to the stadium. We will also enact heightened security measures and alcohol policies that will ensure the fan experience and safety of everybody involved.
We hope the focus will remain on the exciting play on the field, and that our fans will express their passionate support for the Blue Jays while demonstrating a level of respect and responsibility that has made Rogers Centre one of the best atmospheres for families and fans of baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays were no doubt hoping to wash the taste of last year’s playoff out of their mouths. During Game 5 of the ALDS, fans tossed garbage on the field after a controversial run scored. Tuesday’s wild-card game gave fans a chance to set a different tone on a big stage, but at least one fan ruined that.
There were also reports of racial slurs being hurled at Hyun Soo Kim and center fielder Adam Jones, who immediately engaged the fans verbally following the beer-toss. You can’t come down on every fan, but this was obviously not a good look for the city of Toronto or the Blue Jays organization.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
