San Jose Mercury News

FORT WORTH, Texas A firefighter who tumbled about 30 feet from the Texas Rangers stands while trying to catch a foul ball received a hospital visit and the ball from team president Nolan Ryan. Tyler Morris, 25, who works at the Lake Cities Fire Department near Dallas, was at Tuesday night's game with fellow firefighters when he fell over a second-deck railing onto field-level seats below.


He suffered a head injury and sprained ankle but no internal injuries, and was expected to be released from the hospital soon, friends said.

A witness said Morris had not been drinking at the game.

After Texas' Nelson Cruz hit the foul ball in the fifth inning of the game against the Cleveland Indians, the crowd gasped loudly, cried "Oh!" and stood up after Morris fell. Players and fans appeared worried and somber, and the game was delayed about 15 minutes as paramedics treated Morris and transported him to a hospital.

Four people struck when Morris fell were treated at the ballpark for minor injuries.

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July 8, 2010