AR-News: (FL - US) Probation lifted for player who hit osprey

Fri Mar 5 09:29:09 EST 2004

Probation Lifted for Player Who Hit Osprey 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (UPI) -- A Daytona Beach, Fla., judge has canceled the probation of a minor league baseball player for fatally beaning an osprey last April. 

A nationwide warrant had been issued for Jae Kuk Ryu when probation officials said they had not seen any proof he had completed the probation requirements, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reported Tuesday. 

Ryu's attorney, David Hood, provided proof Monday. Volusia County Judge Freddie Worthan lifted the warrant and then terminated Ryu's six-month probation. 

Ryu, 20, beaned the osprey, known by Daytona Cubs fans as Ozzy, with a baseball. The bird later died and Ryu was charged. 

The pitcher, who signed with the Chicago Cubs for $1.6 million in 2001, is now in spring training in Arizona. 