The outfielder, who was not named by athletic department officials, bruised three ribs and tore a knee ligament while he was shagging fly balls during a Monday afternoon practice and struck the car. The outfielder went back for a deep drive to right center field and was concentrating on the ball when he collided with the 1993 Buick Century, which was stolen, abandoned and burned on the field sometime over the winter and was not removed.
"Son of a bitch," said Pitt baseball coach Joe Jordano. "I told them something like this would happen. I freakin' warned them. Anyone ever listen to me? Shit no."
The car was reported stolen to Pittsburgh Police by the vehicle's owner, Stanley "Stash" Lowikowsky of Carrick, in mid-January. It was found burned on the baseball field two days later. Since then, Lowikowsky, his insurance company, city police and the University have been embroiled in a debate over who is responsible for removing the vehicle from the baseball field.
The City and University initially said that Lowikowsky's insurance company is responsible for recovering the vehicle's remains. However, the insurance company, Great American Insurance of Glassport, told the city and university in writing that the policy is null and void and that it is not liable for the charred remains. In typical University of Pittsburgh fashion, lawsuits are now pending against Lowikowsky, Great American of Glassport, the City of Pittsburgh, the City of Glassport and the Buick division of General Motors for making the car in the first place.
"Bottom line: if they don't build it, it's not on our field and it doesn't injure one of our players. You think about that," said director of jock strap retrieval Ed Tuckus.
The Panthers opened the Big East Tournament Thursday in Brooklyn, N.Y. against South Florida.
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