T Ball coach gets 1-6 years for ordering beaning

**2112** · 10-12-2006, 02:53 PM

T-ball coach gets 1-6 years for ordering beaning
Thursday, October 12, 2006

By Moustafa Ayad, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- A youth league baseball coach convicted of getting one of his players to injure a teammate was sentenced to one to six years in prison today.

Mark Downs Jr.

Fayette County Judge Ralph Warman said the actions by Mark Downs Jr., of Dunbar, in June 2005 were "outrageous" and "extremely reprehensible" because he was coaching a league of children 7 to 9 years old.

Testimony indicated Mr. Downs promised $25 to one of his best players if he hurled a ball at Harry Bowers Jr., 11, an autistic and mildly reeruned teammate, presumably to keep him from playing in a game.

A jury convicted Mr. Downs last month of corruption of minors and conspiracy to commit simple assault.

Judge Warman sentenced him to six months to three years on each count.

Mr. Downs didn't say anything during this afternoon's sentencing hearing. But as he was led away, he replied "Yes" when asked if he thought the sentence was too harsh.

Judge Warman could have sentenced him to up to 12 years.

Mr. Downs' bond was revoked and he was taken to jail to await transfer to a state prison.

Mr. Downs' family, including his wife, a 6-week-old baby and three other children were in the courtroom for part of the hearing. But the three older children were hurried out before the actual sentencing.

Jennifer Bowers, mother of the injured player, said the sentencing ends a chapter in the story. "Hopefully we can close the book on this," she said, but added her son still doesn't understand what happened
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10-12-2006, 02:53 PM	Topic Starter
2112 Reset Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $8456765	T Ball coach gets 1-6 years for ordering beaning T-ball coach gets 1-6 years for ordering beaning Thursday, October 12, 2006 By Moustafa Ayad, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- A youth league baseball coach convicted of getting one of his players to injure a teammate was sentenced to one to six years in prison today. Mark Downs Jr. Fayette County Judge Ralph Warman said the actions by Mark Downs Jr., of Dunbar, in June 2005 were "outrageous" and "extremely reprehensible" because he was coaching a league of children 7 to 9 years old. Testimony indicated Mr. Downs promised $25 to one of his best players if he hurled a ball at Harry Bowers Jr., 11, an autistic and mildly reeruned teammate, presumably to keep him from playing in a game. A jury convicted Mr. Downs last month of corruption of minors and conspiracy to commit simple assault. Judge Warman sentenced him to six months to three years on each count. Mr. Downs didn't say anything during this afternoon's sentencing hearing. But as he was led away, he replied "Yes" when asked if he thought the sentence was too harsh. Judge Warman could have sentenced him to up to 12 years. Mr. Downs' bond was revoked and he was taken to jail to await transfer to a state prison. Mr. Downs' family, including his wife, a 6-week-old baby and three other children were in the courtroom for part of the hearing. But the three older children were hurried out before the actual sentencing. Jennifer Bowers, mother of the injured player, said the sentencing ends a chapter in the story. "Hopefully we can close the book on this," she said, but added her son still doesn't understand what happened __________________
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