Charges Against Snyder Are Dismissed

A judge dismissed assault charges Tuesday against Cory Snyder, an outfielder for the Cleveland Indians, who injured two spectators last spring when he threw his bat into the stands during a minor league baseball game.

City Court Judge John R. Schwartz said the case should be resolved in civil court.

Before dismissing Snyder from the courtroom, however, Schwartz reminded him that he has a responsibility to baseball fans, particularly to children who look to him as a role model.

Snyder, who at the time of the May 29 incident was an infielder for the Maine Guides of the International League, said he intended to toss a bat toward the dugout after popping out, but he said the bat momentarily stuck to his batting glove, causing it to fly into the stands.

Assistant District Attorney Scott Green had contended that a jury should determine whether the bat was thrown recklessly or by accident.

Snyder, from Canyon High, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of third-degree assault after two spectators, Deborah Schirtz and Dorothy Matteson, both of Rochester, were taken from Silver Stadium by ambulance and were treated for injuries at St. Mary’s hospital.

Matteson suffered a split lip and a broken dental plate; Schirtz suffered a broken nose.

The women have filed a $2.3 million civil lawsuit against Snyder.

In his 10-page decision, Schwartz noted that in 1958, Hall of Famer Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox struck a 60-year-old woman when he threw his bat after striking out. No charges were filed in the incident.

“An accident occurring once every 28 years is indeed rare,” Schwartz said in his decision.

He concluded that despite the serious charges and the severity of the injuries, the circumstances are rare and the evidence is based on speculation.

Schirtz and Matteson quickly left court without comment after the decision.

Outside court, Snyder said he agreed with Schwartz’s statements about his responsibility to young fans and said he hoped this incident will serve as a reminder to other baseball players.

“We’re role models,” he said.