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Angels Batting Coach Breaks Leg Catching Ceremonial First Pitch Before Opener

ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim batting coach Don Baylor was taken to UC Irvine Medical Center after fracturing his leg during the ceremonial first pitch.

Baylor, 64, was catching the first pitch from former Angel Vladimir Guerrero prior to Monday night's season opener against AL West rival Seattle Mariners.

Guerrero's pitch was low and in the dirt, forcing the 1979 American League MVP to reach awkwardly for the ball, at which point the former player seemed to have sustained the injury.

After a few moments on the ground, Guerrero, who seemed unaware of the injury, approached and tried to help Baylor up.

Baylor was hardly able to stand, with his right leg giving out twice as he attempted to get up off the ground.

Baylor, who shares the honor of being AL MVP with Guerrero, is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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