Three cheers for go-go boots after Indians pitcher struck in leg by bullet

MINNEAPOLIS — Cleveland Indians pitcher Kyle Denney won’t complain about having to dress like a cheerleader again. The white go-go boots that went with the outfit might have prevented a bullet from seriously injuring his leg.

The rookie was hit in the right calf by a shot that came through the side of the Indians’ bus in Kansas City, Mo., late Wednesday as the team traveled to the airport after a victory over the Royals. The bullet caused only a flesh wound, probably because of the tough leather of the knee-high boot, Denney said.

All of Cleveland’s rookies were decked out in outrageous outfits on the bus, part of a hazing ritual. An Oklahoma native, Denney said his teammates told him to dress as a USC cheerleader because the Sooners are ranked second behind Southern California in the Associated Press college football poll.

“I’ve never been so glad to have a USC thing on,” Denney said Thursday at a news conference in Minneapolis, where the Indians traveled for a weekend series against the Twins.

Police in Kansas City had no suspects in the shooting, which happened as the bus traveled along a highway ramp.

Team trainers removed the bullet from Denney’s leg while he was still on the bus, and he stayed overnight at a Kansas City hospital before rejoining his team.

“The way he handled the situation was pretty awesome,” said outfielder Ryan Ludwick, who was sitting across the aisle from Denney and was grazed by debris. “Now I know the guy can pitch in the big leagues, ‘cause he got shot by a bullet and was about as calm as can be.”

Indians spokesman Bart Swain said there was momentary panic on the bus before teammates realized Denney wasn’t seriously hurt, and Ludwick said that’s when “a lot of jokes started flying.”

The 27-year-old Denney, who started Wednesday night’s game against the Royals, said he hopes the shooter realizes the consequences could have been much worse.

“I thought it was just another prank, like a firecracker or something,” Denney said. “I didn’t know I was shot until I saw the blood.”

After getting called up from Triple-A Buffalo on Sept. 14, Denney is 1-2 with a 9.56 ERA in four starts with Cleveland. He beat Kansas City 8-3 on Sept. 19 for his first major league win.