Police probe possible hate attack on ex-Padres player

SAN DIEGO (AP) Police are investigating a possible hate crime attack against a former San Diego Padres catcher who said he was kicked and beaten by men yelling racial slurs.

Carlos Hernandez, who played with the Padres during their 1998 World Series season, told authorities the assailants stole his cell phone and later used it to call his home, saying: ``You'll never play baseball again. We know where you live now.''

Hernandez, 35, told officers the attack took place Saturday outside McKee's Tavern in San Diego, police spokesman Bill Robinson said Tuesday.

Hernandez told police that as he walked to his car around 2 a.m., three white males in their early 20s shouted racial epithets at him and punched and kicked him in his head, face and legs, Robinson said. They also slashed the tires on his car.

A telephone number for Hernandez could not be located. A message left with Hernandez's friend, who was with him at the tavern, was not immediately returned.

Hernandez's wife told officers she received a threatening phone call about 3 a.m., Robinson said.

The owner of McKee's Tavern, Billy Thresher, disputed Hernandez's account.

The Venezuela-born Hernandez played with the Padres from 1997 to 2000 He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)