Former MLB All-Star Rafael Furcal, who played for the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals, was arrested this week on serious charges involving an unusual “missile.” But it’s not what you might imagine.
Authorities in Broward County, Florida, issued a warrant for the three-time All-Star following a dispute with another driver. Furcal, a former standout shortstop, surrendered to law enforcement on Wednesday and now faces felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and throwing a missile into a public or private structure.
At first, the mention of a “missile” is attention-grabbing, but it turns out the 47-year-old Rafael Furcal didn’t throw an actual missile. After his arrest, he shared his version of the incident with Z101 reporter Tenchy Rodriguez.
“Rafael Furcal is currently at home with his family. He confirmed his arrest and said he voluntarily turned himself in after returning from visiting his son at college,” reporter Gomez posted on X. “The ‘missile’ in question was a rock, which Furcal used to hit a truck driver’s hand after the man allegedly came at him with a knife.”
“The charges are still under investigation, following the former Dominican player’s statement after voluntarily reporting to the police station,” the report noted.
Rafael Furcal, a former standout shortstop, spent 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, suiting up for the Braves, Dodgers, and Cardinals—earning All-Star selections with each team. After a strong 2012 season that landed him an All-Star nod, Furcal missed the entire 2013 campaign due to Tommy John surgery.
He attempted a comeback in 2014 with the Miami Marlins but appeared in just nine games before retiring. Over his career, Furcal posted a .281 batting average, a .346 on-base percentage, a .402 slugging percentage, and a .748 OPS. He also took home National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2000.
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