Umpire Kerwin Danley hit in head by broken bat

TORONTO – Home plate umpire Kerwin Danley left the field on a stretcher after being hit in the head by a broken bat in the sixth inning of Tuesday's game between Texas and Toronto. A spokesman for the Blue Jays said Danley was taken to the hospital with a possible concussion but did not lose consciousness.

With one out in the sixth, Rangers designated hitter Hank Blalock's bat broke on an infield pop. A large piece flew back and hit Danley on the side of the head, knocking him to the ground.

Blue Jays catcher Rod Barajas immediately called for assistance and trainers from both teams ran to Danley's side.

Blalock stood by as first aid personnel treated Danley before returning to the dugout. Only Toronto's outfielders remained on the field during the stoppage.

Danley, who was carted off the field, was wearing a hockey-style mask. Hunter Wendelstedt moved from second base to home plate and the game resumed after a 10-minute delay.

On April 26, 2008, Danley was taken off the field on a stretcher after being hit in the head by a pitch from Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Brad Penny. He was released from hospital the next day and returned to the field in June.

Danley also was knocked out of a June 2006 game between the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs after being hit on the collarbone by a pitch.