PHOTO: Johnny Bench sends autograph to police after spotting tased trespasser wearing his No. 5 jersey during Reds vs. Guardians game
Cincinnati Reds legend Johnny Bench sent a digital autograph to the police department after the video of officials tasing a Cinicannati fan streaking across the Great American Ballpark was shared online. The fan who was observed talking to the Guardians of Tyler Freeman before getting zapped by the police was identified as 19-year-old William Hendon.
Hendon even did a perfect standing backflip before he was tased down and taken into custody. Two-time World Series champion Johnny Bench noticed the streaker wearing his iconic No. 5 jersey and sent a digital autograph to the police unit, who stopped the fan from streaking further at the Great American Ballpark on Tuesday night.
Take a look at the digital autograph signed by Johnny Bench here:
Reporting on Tuesday night's incident, Cincinnati Police Lt. Jonathan Cunningham said in a statement:
"A fan ran onto the playing field during the game and ran from police when officers attempted to stop him to prevent further disruption to the game or safety risks to players and ballpark staff. This individual was tased by the officer in order to detain him."
Hendon, still wearing the Johnny Bench jersey, was produced in front of the judge of a municipal court on Wednesday.
The two-game mini-series opener on Tuesday saw the Cleveland Guardians win 5-3 against the Cincinnati Reds. While Cincinnati will be hopeful of avoiding a series sweep on Wednesday, Cleveland will look for a clean sweep to extend their lead atop the AL Central.
Reds win game 2 to avoid series sweep against the Guardians on Wednesday
The Cincinnati Reds won the series finale against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night to improve their record to 33-35 for the season. Nick Lodolo aced his start for Cincinnati in game 2. The dominant Reds start was carried forward by the relievers, as the home team only gave up two runs on the night.
On the offensive end, third baseman Jeimer Candelario registered three hits off four at-bats, smashing two home runs and driving in all four runs for the Reds unit in the series finale. Cincinnati won the contest 4-2 to avoid a series sweep against the Cleveland Guardians.
Now, Cincinnati will hit the road to play two separate three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers and the Pittsburgh Pirates.