New Cub Pitcher Apologizes

Pitcher Ben Christensen, drafted in the first round by Chicago, apologized again to Anthony Molina on Saturday. It won’t be the last time.

Christensen, who hit Molina in the eye with a pitch while Molina was in the on-deck circle during warmups of a college game, addressed the media before Saturday’s game between the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies.

Christensen signed with the Cubs on Friday.

Christensen had requested the time to face the media, Chicago General Manager Ed Lynch said.

“It was obviously a bad accident that happened and I feel horrible about it, that I could hurt somebody like that, so I can see how it can get to where it is now,� Christensen said.

On April 23, Christensen was on the mound warming up for Wichita State’s game against Molina’s Evansville team. Molina was about 15 feet away near an on-deck circle and Christensen threw a ball that hit Molina in the left eye. Christensen was allegedly upset that Molina was timing his pitches.

Because of pending litigation, Christensen could not comment on any specifics of the incident.

“I’ll accept my consequences for what happened because that’s what has to be done,� he said.

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The 1970s returned to the Houston Astrodome as the Houston Astros wore their infamous bright orange-and-yellow “rainbow stripe� jerseys.

“I thought they were great, but some guys didn’t like them. Mainly the fat guys,� broadcaster and former catcher Alan Ashby said.

The Astros paraded out the most recognizable uniforms in team history in honor of their last season in the Astrodome. Houston wore the uniforms from 1975 through 1986.