Plane Crashes Into the Home of Oriole Pitcher

A plane crashed into the back of a home belonging to Baltimore Oriole pitcher Jason Grimsley on Friday morning, killing at least two people in Overland Park, Kan., but not injuring the veteran reliever or his family.

The twin-engine Cessna 421, which was headed to Florida, hit a retaining wall near the house. Five people were scheduled to take the flight, but it’s unclear if every passenger was on board.

Grimsley had taken his truck to have the brakes repaired, and his two sons were in school. Grimsley’s wife, Dana, their daughter, Rayne, and a friend were home at the time of the crash but escaped unharmed.

“This is something you certainly don’t think about happening to you, but they’re doing fine,” said Grimsley’s agent, Joe Bick, who spoke to the pitcher numerous times Friday.

*

Buck Showalter, the reigning American League manager of the year, received a three-year contract extension from the Texas Rangers. Showalter’s contract runs through the 2009 season, and includes a club option for 2010.

Owner Tom Hicks also extended the contract of General Manager John Hart through 2006.

*

Outfielder Casey Blake agreed to a $5.4-million, two-year contract with the Cleveland Indians, a deal that avoided salary arbitration. Blake hit .271 with career highs of 28 homers and 88 RBIs in 152 games last season.