Bryan Stow, the San Francisco Giants fan who was attacked and beaten by two men at Dodger Stadium on opening day 2011, was in attendance Thursday night as the Giants defeated the Detroit Tigers 2-0 in game 2 of the World Series.
Stow, who was a guest on the behalf of the team, was accompanied by his family in what is believed to be his first game since the vicious attack. Where he was watching the game from in AT&T Park was not divulged because the family requested for privacy.
Fans cheered during the game as the scoreboard greeted Stow with the message “Welcome to Bryan Stow and his family.”
Stow’s presence in the park was not only felt from the fans, but management as well.
“We are truly thrilled to have Bryan with us tonight at the World Series,” Giants CEO Larry Baer said. “It’s been a long road back. We’re very grateful he has progressed and could join us.”
The March 31, 2011 attack left Stow in a medically induced coma at a Los Angeles hospital, which left him with serious skull and brain injuries, from some of which he may never fully recover. It has taken him months to speak and walk outdoors.
Louie Sanchez and Marvin Norwood were arrested by the Los Angles Police Department on July 22, 2011, in connection with assault of Stow. The LAPD initially arrested Giovanni Ramirez for the attack, but later exonerated him of all charges.
The two suspects have been ordered to stand trial after a six-day preliminary hearing that included graphic testimony from witnesses who heard Stow’s skull hit the pavement.
The Giants have showed their continue support for Stow by raising more than $70,000 for the Bryan Stow Fund in 2011. Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum gave $25,000 to assist in the rehabilitation of San Francisco fan.
In the Giants home-opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates this season, they allowed Stows’ 13-year-old son Tyler to throw the ceremonial pitch, while his father appeared on the jumbotron.
The family has been able to inform the public about Stow’s process through their blog. In their recent post Oct. 9 they stated:
”As always, there are good days and not so good days. Despite the extra bone growth he developed, he still is working hard in all his therapies,” the update reads. ”It is painful for him and he is adamant that his fingers are broken (they aren’t) and one time insisted he had a broken foot. His memory is very unpredictable and we don’t know what he will remember and what he won’t. We imagine that this is something that will be a part of his recovery for a long time.”
