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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Bonds’ security left to league


A fan greets Barry Bonds during the Giants' game against Arizona on Friday.Associated Press
 (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

Barry Bonds said Saturday it’s up to Major League Baseball and the Giants to decide how much security is needed around him as he closes in on Hank Aaron’s home run record.

“It’s being addressed to ensure the safety of our players and employees,” Giants spokesman Blake Rhodes said.

In the seventh inning of San Francisco’s home game with Arizona on Friday night, a male fan wearing no shoes hopped the fence along the left-field line and ran out to greet the slugger. Andrew Clapp, 24, of Fargo, N.D., faces charges of public drunkenness and interfering with a sporting event.

“It is a big concern, but the guy came out, jumped on the field, had his hands up and said, ‘I just want to shake your hand,’ screaming,” Bonds said. “I said, ‘Fine, come shake my hand.’ … I said, ‘Let’s just walk back together, though, so these guys don’t throw you on the ground and you’ll show them that you mean no harm.’ “

Protest plunders

Despite a much-publicized effort to display fan discontent during the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 15th consecutive losing season, only a few thousand fans at most in the crowd of 26,959 left their seats in protest following the third inning against Washington.

Only about 100 fans were seen leaving the ballpark immediately following the third.

Organizers who staged a pregame rally outside PNC Park wanted fans displeased with the Pirates’ low-spending ownership to walk out of the ballpark.

“Pirates left fielder Jason Bay (Gonzaga/North Idaho College) stuck in a monthlong slump, didn’t start for the first time this season.

Clearing the bases

Washington right-hander John Patterson, out for nearly two months with a slow-to-heal nerve injury in his right elbow, is seeking treatment on his own in Toronto that apparently isn’t approved in the United States. … Former first-round draft choice Jacoby Ellsbury recorded his first major league hit, for Boston. … Kansas City put first baseman Ryan Shealy on the 15-day disabled list. … Baltimore right-hander Steve Trachsel was placed on the 15-day DL. … New York Mets starter Jorge Sosa left the game against Philadelphia after straining his left hamstring running to first base.