I grew up less than four miles from the spot Milwaukee Brewers’ starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo was robbed at gunpoint overnight Thursday into Friday. I was also there when he spoke to reporters Friday afternoon and Yo was certainly a little freaked out, enough to probably avoid S. 20th and Lincoln Ave. for a few months.
Gallardo and one of the Brewers’ clubhouse attendants Alex Sanchez were robbed at gunpoint early Friday morning. According to the police report, the suspect asked for money and jewelry, which Sanchez handed over. Sanchez was then struck in the head with the butt of the suspect’s gun. Gallardo was not hurt.
“We were just getting a bite to eat and trying to stay out of trouble,” Gallardo told reporters Friday afternoon outside the Brewers’ clubhouse. “We were just trying to go home and obviously trouble found us.”
By: Melissa S. Wollering
The robbery occurred at about 2:30 a.m. Friday near the intersection of S. 20th Street and Lincoln Avenue. Sanchez is recovering from a nasty bump to the head, but is said to be fine. Gallardo says the incident is being investigated by police. MLB security officials have also been in contact with him.
“It was a scary moment for me obviously,” Gallardo said. “But things like that happen in every city, everywhere you go. I’ve never had a problem like this before or been in that situation.”
“I’m glad everybody’s okay,” manager Ken Macha said. “All the guy wanted was money, so give him the money.”
Ken Macha says he has had instances in other places outside Milwaukee where he’s needed to either call police or get in touch with league safety officials. He says MLB safety gets involved and follows up with players and coaches immediately, not only to protect them but to help them protect themselves.
“They’ll follow up with Gallardo, make sure he’s doing everything he can.”