Iwakuma 00740314

03/12/2008 2:17 PM ET
Yanks' Merrill hit by thrown ball in BP
Special assistant to GM struck above lip, taken to hospital
By Brian Hoch / The Associated Press







ST. PETERSBURG -- Yankees special advisor Stump Merrill was struck with a thrown ball during batting practice on Wednesday. The former manager was removed from the field on a stretcher.
Merrill was hit just above the left lip and was conscious and breathing when taken to Bayfront Medical Center, a Yankees spokesman said. Gene Monahan, the Yankees' head athletic trainer, went to the hospital with Merrill.

Batting practice halted for several minutes as an ambulance was called. Merrill then received a standing ovation from the crowd at Progress Energy Park, where the Yankees were scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Rays.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.