A warrant was recently issued for former MLB shortstop and three-time All-Star Rafael Furcal in Broward County, Florida, following a physical altercation with another driver. The 47-year-old turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday and is now facing serious felony charges: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and throwing a missile into a public or private dwelling.
Despite the dramatic wording, the “missile” in question was not literal. Furcal, speaking with Z101 reporter Tenchy Rodriguez, explained his side of the incident after turning himself in. According to reporter Héctor Gómez, Furcal used a rock to strike a truck driver in the hand — an act he claims was in self-defense after being attacked with a knife.
“Rafael Furcal is currently at home with his family,” Gómez shared on X. “He confirmed his arrest and voluntarily surrendered to police after visiting his son at university. The charges are still under investigation following his official statement to authorities.”
Furcal is best known for his 14-year MLB career as a shortstop with the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, and St. Louis Cardinals, earning All-Star selections with each team. He was also named NL Rookie of the Year in 2000 and finished his career with a .281 batting average and .748 OPS.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2013, Furcal returned briefly with the Miami Marlins in 2014, playing just nine games before retiring from professional baseball.
