Minor League Pirate's Wife Implicated in Abduction

photo from:  wwwyanksalk.com

Story By - Mary Clausen

March 25.  This is a very weird story that involves a Pirates Minor League outfielder's wife. The Minor Leaguer - Jose Tabata. His wife - Amalia Tabata Pereira, 43.  She allegedly abducted an infant girl on Monday afternoon, but then turned the baby into the Manatee County Sheriff's Office the next day  - Tuesday afternoon. Police reported that the baby is fine. The Chief of Police is Plant City, Florida have decided to look into charging Pereira with false imprisonment. At this time there is no further information that has been released.

Of course, the Pirates are involved.  The Pirates president Frank Connelly released the following statement that said: "We have been informed by the Manatee Sheriff's Office that an immediate family member of one of our Minor League players, Jose Tabata, is being questioned in connection with an alleged kidnapping of a young girl.  This is an extremely serious matter and we have given the matter our full attention."     (OK, let's get upset too soon.)

The president also commented that he has very little information right now and that Tabata is not believed to be involved with the situation.  He is not commenting any more at that time and says that he will let Tabata deal with the matter at this time.       (Good idea, think?)

Tabata commented about the whole mess, "I was shocked to be told my wife was arrested for kidnapping.  I am hurt, frustrated and confused by her actions.  I have and will continue to cooperate with the law enforcement officials in any way that I can.   Until I have all the facts, I cannot comment any further."     (Good thinking, man. Find out the details then play ball.)

Tabata came to the Pirates from the Yankees last summer in the Xavier Nada trade and is with their Minor League camp right now in Bradentown, Florida.