Yorvit Torrealba Suspended From Venezuelan League For 66 Games After Striking Umpire

Earlier today I reported on Texas Rangers backup catcher Yorvit Torrealba and a blow he dealt to the face of an umpire in the Venezuelan league and now officials for that league has announced a 66 game suspension for the Ranger’ backup catcher. The suspension was announced on Twitter by Venezuelan league president Jose Grasso Vecchio.

The blow was dealt after Torrealba struck out during a game on Friday, shortly after the call the men could be seen arguing for upwards of 15 seconds before the catch struck the umpire with an open hand hard enough in the face mask to send him tumbling backwards.

The suspension means Torrealba will sit out the rest of this season and all of the next season. Lucky for the backup catcher penalties in the winter league don’t carry over to Major League Baseball.

After the incident Yorvit apologized to the league and his fans on Monday in a statement that read:

“I wanted to express my sincere apologies to all parties for my actions during the Venezuelan Winter League game on Friday.” while adding, “I have extended an apology to the Rangers organization as well. I am embarrassed for my conduct, and personally relayed that feeling to the umpire after that night’s game. On the field, I strive to be an example for children, especially those in my native Venezuela, and I regret my actions. I understand the reactions to the incident and will make every effort to set a positive example in the future.”

Vecchio said of the ruling:

“There was a clear act of aggression that violates the statutes of the league,” and “One that, like any such act, is unacceptable.”

“The punishment is meant to serve as an example. The league acted after analyzing all the known details, that’s why the suspension is for close to a year,” Vecchio said of the suspension. “We couldn’t make it for less, since for a while we have been mounting a campaign against violence in stadiums and during games.”

The Caracas Lions player received another acknowledgement of his wrongdoing when his agent Melvin Roman said:

“(Torrealba) is aware that what he did is wrong. He knows he got caught up in the heat of the moment,” Roman said.

Roman and Vecchio both acknowledged that Torrealba had personally apologized to the umpire involved in the incident.

It’s still not clear if the Texas Rangers will take action of their own, general manager Jon Daniels said over the weekend that the incident was being reviewed.

Yorvit Torrealba has one year remaining on his contract with the Texas Rangers.

In case you missed the earlier posted video here it is again:

[iframe src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/dEUUJiSu3V4? width=”560? height=”315? ]

Do you think the Texas Rangers should punish Torrealba for his actions during Venezuelan league play?