José Offerman was granted a special probation…

Former major league All-Star José Offerman was granted probation Tuesday and ordered to get anger management treatment for a bat-wielding attack during a minor league game that injured two opposing players.

Bridgeport Superior Court Judge James Ginocchio also ruled that Offerman, 38, must pay the medical expenses of Bridgeport Bluefish catcher John Nathans and pitcher Matt Beech.
Offerman, an All-Star infielder with the Dodgers in 1995 and Red Sox in 1999, had faced up to 10 years in prison on two felony assault charges. He was granted accelerated rehabilitation, a form of probation that will allow the charges to be dismissed after two years if he abides by the judge's orders.

Prosecutor Brian Kennedy argued that the assaults were too serious for Offerman to receive probation, but agreed with the judge and defense lawyers that Offerman was unlikely to commit similar offenses in the future.

Offerman, who was trying to return to the majors, was batting for the Long Island Ducks in a game against the Bluefish in Bridgeport on Aug. 14 when Beech hit him with a fastball. Offerman charged the mound with his bat and swung at least twice, striking Beech and Nathans.

The middle finger on Beech's non-throwing hand was broken during the scuffle, and Nathans sustained a concussion.

The Atlantic League suspended Offerman indefinitely. A call seeking comment was left with the league office.

Offerman's lawyer, Frank Riccio, had disputed that Offerman struck the two players with his bat. He said Beech could have been injured when he punched Offerman in the head, and added Nathans appeared to grab the arm Offerman used to hold the bat.

Offerman apologized inside and outside the courtroom Tuesday.

"I'm real sorry for what happened. I embarrassed the game I love and I wish I could take it all back," Offerman told the judge, the Connecticut Post reported.

While leaving the courtroom, he added, "I would like to apologize to all the fans that were at the stadium that day, especially the children."

Riccio said Offerman gave the judge written statements from current and former major league players supporting him. Riccio declined to identify the players.