A minor league pitcher in Daytona Beach, Fla., who is accused of beaning an osprey with a baseball has been demoted.

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Minor League Pitcher Faces Possible Jail Time For Allegedly Hitting Bird With Baseball

Jae-kuk Ryu, a 19-year-old South Korean pitcher for the Class-A Daytona Cubs, has been sent to the Class-A Midwest League in Lansing, Mich.

Ryu knocked an osprey from its perch during pre-game practice Monday night, witnesses said. He could face animal cruelty charges for the incident at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

The male bird called Ozzy, which had been nesting with its mate Harriet and a brood of chicks on a 40-foot light pole over left field, suffered a serious eye injury.

Although the osprey was feeling "feisty" as of Wednesday, it isn't known whether its vision will be permanently impaired, said Pam Williams, office manager at the Animal Clinic of Edgewater.

Ospreys are recognized by the state as a species of special concern, meaning their habitats are vulnerable. Anyone who wounds or kills an osprey can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail.

"You can't intentionally harm an animal," said Melody Baum, a Daytona Beach Animal Control officer. "If somebody deliberately threw the ball, it's animal cruelty."

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating and plans to submit its findings to the State Attorney's office next week, said spokeswoman Joy Hill.

Ryu was not available for comment Wednesday. He has an 0-1 record and 3.05 ERA in four starts, with 22 strikeouts in 20-2/3 innings.

Daytona general manager Buck Rogers said the team, as an act of contrition, will hold a fundraiser for the Animal Clinic of Edgewater on Friday night. The Chicago Cubs will provide autographed balls for auction, and the Daytona Cubs will donate $1 for every fan in attendance

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