Police back Taser officer

Philadelphia City police are considering whether officers should get involved when unruly but nonthreatening fans sprint onto the field during sporting events, a review begun after a teenager was subdued with a Taser Monday.

A police officer at a Phillies game used his stun gun on 17-year-old Steve Consalvi, who jumped onto the field and ran around in circles in the outfield.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey examined video of the arrest and felt the officer acted within department guidelines, said police spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore.

The department will review whether or not officers need to be on the field.

Another fan ran onto the field at Citizens Bank Park during Tuesday night’s Phillies game and gave himself up without incident.

Tigers’ Harwell dies

Longtime Detroit Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell, beloved by generations of fans who grew up listening to his rich voice, Southern cadence and quirky phrases on the radio, has died in Novi, Mich., after a months-long battle with cancer. He was 92.

Harwell, who called Detroit Tigers games for four-plus decades and was acquired by the Brooklyn Dodgers for a catcher, announced in September that he had been diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the bile duct. Then 91, he took the news with characteristic poise, saying he planned to continue working on a book and other projects.

“Whatever happens, I’m ready to face it,” Harwell told the Associated Press on Sept. 4, 2009.

Harwell spent 42 of his 55 years in broadcasting with the Tigers. He was their play-by-play radio voice from 1960-1991 and 1993-2002.

By his own count, Harwell called more than 8,300 major league games.

Clearing the bases

The Los Angeles Dodgers put shortstop Rafael Furcal on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left hamstring. … Minnesota said an MRI exam on star catcher Joe Mauer’s injured left heel revealed no structural damage to his foot. … Washington promoted No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg to Triple-A Syracuse. … Mariano Rivera feels ready to pitch after throwing in the Yankees’ bullpen after suffering from side stiffness.