Rafael Furcal, the former All-Star shortstop for the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals, was arrested this week on charges related to throwing a missile into a public or private dwelling—though not the kind of missile you might imagine.
A warrant was issued for the 47-year-old in Broward County, Florida, following an incident with another driver. Furcal voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and now faces felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and throwing a missile into a dwelling.
While the phrase “throwing a missile” may sound dramatic, Furcal clarified in an interview with Z101 reporter Tenchy Rodriguez that the “missile” was actually a rock.
According to reports, Furcal used the rock to hit a truck driver’s hand after the driver allegedly attacked him with a knife. The case remains under investigation after police reviewed Furcal’s version of events.
Furcal enjoyed a 14-season MLB career as a shortstop for the Braves, Dodgers, and Cardinals, earning All-Star selections with each team. After a strong 2012 season that led to an All-Star appearance, he missed 2013 due to Tommy John surgery.
He returned briefly in 2014 with the Miami Marlins but played only nine games before retiring. Over his career, Furcal posted a .281/.346/.402/.748 slash line and was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2000.
