OAKLAND, Calif. -- The woman whose nose was broken when Texas Rangers reliever Frank Francisco threw a chair into the stands said Wednesday she plans to seek compensation for her injuries once prosecutors and baseball officials complete their investigation.
Francisco, who made his initial appearance in court Wednesday after police booked him on a charge of felony aggravated assault, also may file a civil suit, his attorney said.
Meanwhile, Alameda County Assistant District Attorney Norbert Chu said he needed more time to investigate before deciding whether to formally charge Francisco in the fracas.
"As of right now, charges have not been filed," Chu said. "The case is still under investigation."
Jennifer Bueno, 41, appeared with her husband, Craig, at a news conference with a large white bandage covering her nose and purple rings under her eyes.
"We definitely feel the Texas Rangers are responsible for this and that they should pay for this," personal injury lawyer Gary Gwilliam said.
Francisco showed up 20 minutes early for his initial court appearance, trying to avoid photographers by holding his head in his hands as he sat in the hallway. He talked quietly with his agent, Richard Thompson, and a friend, Ray Ramirez, and made no comment to reporters before entering the courtroom. His next appearance was set for Oct. 29.
During Texas' 7-6, 10-inning loss to Oakland on Monday, Francisco threw a chair into the right-field box seats and hit two spectators in the head.
Craig Bueno acknowledged that, before the fracas, he was part of some "verbal bantering" with the Rangers.
"It's an American tradition," the 42-year-old fire battalion chief said of his heckling, adding that he said he and his wife bought season tickets near the visitors' bullpen just "so we can get on them a little bit."
"It's part of going to the baseball game," Jennifer Bueno said. "I don't think he did anything wrong."
She said "it would be a little while" before she attends A's games again.
