BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Freak Accident Rattles DiSarcina

By BOB NIGHTENGALE

July 7, 1994 12 AM PT

Angel shortstop Gary DiSarcina took no chances Wednesday. Prompted by an accident Tuesday, he wore batting gloves, for the first time this season, in the game against the Boston Red Sox.

DiSarcina’s bat flew out of his hands in the ninth inning Tuesday and hit two young boys, one of whom spent the night in critical condition with a skull fracture. The boy was listed in serious condition on Wednesday, according to hospital officials.

Andrew Schellekes, 8, of Gilmanton, N.H., spent the night in intensive care after going into shock, and also had a three-inch gash over his right eye. His cousin, Matthew O’Connor, 10, also suffered cuts and was held overnight for observation.

Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi and assistant Tim Mead visited the boys and their parents Wednesday, and Manager Marcel Lachemann called them. It was the first time either youngster had attended a major league game and they had moved to vacant seats closer to the field after the seventh inning.

“It was pretty much a helpless feeling,” DiSarcina said. “I let the bat slip out of my hands a couple of times, but nothing like that ever happened. . . . My dad went to security officials and got the names and addresses. I’m going to send some stuff to them when I get back.”

Security officials said both teams sent over souvenirs.

The Angels have decided that they will bring up reliever Scott Lewis from triple-A Vancouver by July 15. He’s expected to replace Craig Lefferts, who has allowed 62 baserunners in 34 2/3 innings, yielding a team-high .350 batting average.

The Angels also are exploring the possibility of recalling Troy Percival, who has 10 saves for Vancouver. Percival, considered to be the Angels’ closer of the future when they didn’t protect Bryan Harvey, is fully recovered from reconstructive elbow surgery of a year ago.

Also, Lachemann said Vancouver starter Andrew Lorraine (9-3, 3.24 earned-run average) is ready to be called up to the big leagues whenever they need him. Lorraine could be used in the bullpen, Lachemann said.

Angel pitching coach Chuck Hernandez, whose newborn baby remains in intensive care, is expected to rejoin the team Friday in New York. His wife, Donna, is expected to be released from the hospital today.

Angel third baseman Spike Owen hit a foul ball off his right heel in the seventh inning and is expected to miss a couple of games.