Major League Baseball

Dodgers host fundraiser for Giants fan

Published Apr. 11, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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Baseball fans drove through Dodger Stadium on Monday, arriving in cars, on motorcycles and on bicycles to drop off cash, checks and good wishes for the family of the San Francisco Giants fan who was brutally beaten after the opening game of the season.

Bryan Stow, 42, has been in critical condition in a medically induced coma since March 31, when he was beaten in the stadium parking lot by two young men dressed as Dodger fans. No arrests have been made despite a $150,000 reward.

Hall of Fame Dodger Tommy Lasorda told reporters in the stadium parking lot that he prays that Stow - a father of two - will come out of the coma so he can resume his life.

"This young man someday, I hope and pray, can walk into a ballpark again and enjoy the game," the 83-year-old said.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich praised the fundraising effort but said it was "a day late and a dollar short."

As police review what happened and make changes, Antonovich urged increased lighting in parking lots, increased security in the stands and parking lots, a stringent alcoholic beverage limit and possibly a reduction in cup size. Baseball needs to be a family sport where people can "root in peace," he said.

Scott White, general manager for American Medical Response, said about $15,000 was dropped off before noon. All of it will go to the Bryan Stow Fund for the family to use as it decides, he said. Stow has worked as a paramedic for AMR.

LaBonge said Lasorda donated $5,000. Councilman Ed Reyes pledged $500 and challenged his colleagues to match his donation.

As each car drove in, more than 125 AMR paramedics and other employees applauded as they circled the parking lot.

Michael Martin, a native of Los Angeles wearing a Brooklyn Dodger hat, stopped by to leave $100.

"I just wanted to show that Dodger fans are not like the two nuts that did this horrible thing. It's OK to cheer and boo at the stadium but this is atrocious what they did to this Giants fan," Martin said.

"I've seen the problem escalate over the last few years, particularly day games versus the Giants and the Angels when there is beer involved and sunlight and people get crazy," he said.

He said there have been fewer ushers and security guards at games.

"It's like the problems have to get really bad before somebody comes over and does something about it," he said.

The Giants recognized Stow during a game with the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. The Dodgers arrived in San Francisco Monday for a three-game series at AT&T Park, where security will be increased for all the games.

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