Cleveland pitcher shot in leg credits go-go boot with preventing serious injury
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AP Photos MP101-102
By ANDRES YBARRA
Associated Press Writer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) ? Cleveland Indians pitcher Kyle Denney won?t complain about
having to dress like a cheerleader again. The white go-go boots that went with
the outfit might have prevented a bullet from seriously injuring his leg.
The rookie was hit in the right calf by a shot that came through the side of the
Indians? bus in Kansas City late Wednesday as the team traveled to the airport
after a victory over the Royals. The bullet caused only a flesh wound, probably
because of the tough leather of the knee-high boot, Denney and his trainers
said.
All of Cleveland?s rookies were decked out in outrageous outfits on the bus,
part of a hazing ritual. An Oklahoma native, Denney said his teammates told him
to dress as a USC cheerleader because the Sooners are ranked second behind
Southern California in The Associated Press college football poll.
?I?ve never been so glad to have a USC thing on,? Denney said Thursday at a news
conference in Minneapolis, where the Indians traveled for a weekend series
against the Twins.
Police in Kansas City had no suspects in the shooting, which happened as the bus
traveled along a highway ramp.
Team trainers removed the bullet from Denney?s leg while he was still on the
bus, and he stayed overnight at a Kansas City hospital before rejoining his
team.
?The way he handled the situation was pretty awesome,? said outfielder Ryan
Ludwick, who was sitting across the aisle from Denney and was grazed by debris.
?Now I know the guy can pitch in the big leagues, ?cause he got shot by a
bullet and was about as calm as can be.?
Indians spokesman Bart Swain said there was momentary panic on the bus before
teammates realized Denney wasn?t seriously hurt, and Ludwick said that?s when
?a lot of jokes started flying.?
The 27-year-old Denney, who started Wednesday night?s game against the Royals,
said he hopes the shooter realizes the consequences could have been much worse.
?I thought it was just another prank, like a firecracker or something,? Denney
said. ?I didn?t know I was shot until I saw the blood.?
After getting called up from Triple-A Buffalo on Sept. 14, Denney is 1-2 with a
9.56 ERA in four starts with Cleveland. He beat Kansas City 8-3 on Sept. 19 for
his first major league win.