A Houston Astros fan is facing assault charges after he allegedly slapped a New York Yankees supporter during an American League Championship game at Minute Maid Park.
James Warren Dinkins, 73, was scheduled to be arraigned in court Monday morning but his appearance was rescheduled for Dec. 17. The alleged incident took place Oct. 13 during ALCS Game 2.
Houston police told KPRC 21-year-old Jose Bitolas Manuel was cheering for the Yankees when Dinkins, who was standing behind Manuel, allegedly told him to shut up.
Manuel thought Dinkins was joking, police said, so he patted him on the shoulder. Police say Dinkins then slapped Manuel three times. Dinkins allegedly told police Manuel threatened his fiance.
Dinkins was arrested and faces an assault with bodily injury charge. He posted his $1000 bond.
A representative for the Houston Astros would not confirm that this incident took place or if Dinkins' tickets were revoked.
At the Harris County courthouse Monday, Dinkins' lawyer, L.J. Jones said he was not guilty.
"What we need to concern ourselves with right now is the fact that there is an injury to an elderly person," Jones said. "This guy threw beer on him, threatened him and his wife and I think everybody knows if you follow baseball, Yankees fans are the hardest fans to deal with, and he is a season ticket holder and this is ridiculous that he was charged with an assault,"