Rafael Furcal, a former MLB All-Star and 2011 World Series champion, was arrested Wednesday in South Florida on felony charges, according to the Associated Press.
Furcal faces two serious allegations: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and throwing a missile into a dwelling. He surrendered to authorities at the Broward County jail and was later released on bond. The charges stem from a warrant issued by Sunrise, Florida police earlier in the week.
What Led to the Arrest?
According to Fox News, the incident began when Furcal nearly collided with a truck near his residence. The situation escalated when Furcal allegedly threw rocks and a plastic bottle at the other individual. The victim reportedly suffered cuts from being punched multiple times before retaliating and leaving the scene. The victim later told authorities they feared for their life.
The “missile throwing” charge is tied to the rock-throwing, which under Florida law (Statute 790.19), can be considered a second-degree felony if the object could cause serious harm or death and is thrown at or into a building.
Furcal’s Version of Events
However, Furcal has a different account. According to Héctor Gómez of Z101 in the Dominican Republic, Furcal claims the truck driver attacked him with a knife, and he was defending himself by throwing rocks. Authorities are continuing to investigate the matter in light of Furcal’s statement.
Furcal’s Baseball Career
Furcal had a notable MLB career, earning All-Star honors three times and playing for the Braves, Dodgers, Cardinals, and Marlins. He was the 2000 NL Rookie of the Year and played a key role for Atlanta in the early 2000s. His best season came in 2005, when he posted a 6.5 WAR and helped Atlanta win the NL East. After that, he signed a lucrative deal with the Dodgers and had a career-best .814 OPS in 2006.
Over his 1,614-game career, Furcal hit 113 home runs and recorded 69 triples.
Prior Off-Field Issues
This isn’t Furcal’s first legal issue. He was arrested for DUI and underage drinking as a 19-year-old rookie, and later served jail time after a second DWI in 2004. He served that sentence after the Braves’ postseason exit that year.
Family Legacy
Baseball runs in the Furcal family. His son, Rafael Jr., is currently a freshman at San Jacinto College in Houston and had a strong season, hitting .302 with eight home runs and helping his team reach the Region XIV Super Regionals. Furcal Sr. had just returned from watching his son compete in that tournament when the incident occurred.
