Fan Dies in a Fall at Pacific Bell Park

A fan fell to his death from the elevated right-field wall at Pacific Bell Park on Wednesday night, shortly before the San Francisco Giants clinched the National League West title.

According to witnesses, the unidentified man attempted to climb down the outside of the outfield wall to retrieve something he dropped onto the walkway 24 feet below during the eighth inning. He slipped and fell, according to a Giant spokesman.

Police and paramedics responded to the scene, but the fan died from his injuries. San Francisco police didn’t immediately phone calls seeking comment.

The incident is the first death at Pacific Bell Park since it opened in 2000. The right-field wall borders McCovey Cove.

The Giants and most of their fans were unaware of the accident as they celebrated their division title moments later.

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The Montreal Expos have started contract talks with Vladimir Guerrero’s agent, hoping to sign the star slugger to a long-term deal before he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.

“We’ve been in contact with his agent and we have begun negotiations on trying to keep Vladimir Guerrero with the Expos and, hopefully, signing him to a long-term contract,” General Manager Omar Minaya said.

Guerrero has not ruled out returning to Montreal.

“I feel really good here,” Guerrero said as third-base coach Manny Acta translated. “I’ve been here for seven years and I’ve never had any problems, on and off the field. I just feel comfortable here.”

Guerrero, 27, is making $11.5 million this season, the final year of a five-year deal.

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Outfielder Matt Lawton’s second injury-filled season with the Cleveland Indians has ended because of surgery for torn cartilage in his right knee.

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Former All-Star pitcher and Detroit Tiger announcer Lary Sorensen was ordered to jail for 30 days at Mount Clemens, Mich., for his fifth drunken driving offense.