UPDATE: Two fathers arrested in Salisbury following apparent softball brawl

July 17, 2015

Site staff,

From left to right: Michael Barbella, 48, of Ventnor, NJ and Michael John Duffy, 45, of Mays Landing, NJ

Two New Jersey dads were arrested in Wicomico County on Wednesday, after Police say they got into a fight over a softball team.

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office says just after 6:00 PM, Deputies responded to the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center about a fight. Once on scene, the Deputy reportedly found 48-year-old Michael Barbella, being treated by EMS.

According to the report, Barbella and 45-year-old Michael Duffy, were involved in a mutual physical altercation, that started when Barbella pushed Duffy, and Duffy pushed back. Court documents state that Barbella threw the first punch but missed, at which Duffy shoved him, before Barbella tried again, causing the two to continue. The brawl reportedly wrapped up with Duffy on top of Barbella, punching him in the face.

The Sheriff’s Office says they found that Barbella had driven to Wicomico County, from New Jersey, to confront Duffy and other parents from a New Jersey travel softball team, at the USSSA opening ceremonies.

Court documents state that Barbella’s daughter had already apparently been removed from the team because of problems with him, not the child. She was not at the WYCC during the incident. Police say there were more than 1,000 people in the Civic Center at the time of the incident. An event staff member reportedly recorded the incident, and passed the evidence onto the Sheriff’s Office.

Court documents also say that Duffy cooperated with the Deputy, and stated that he was wrong for participating in the fight, while Barbella denied being in a fight at all, and said that he got his injuries from a fall on the concrete.

Barbella had apparently sent text messages earlier in the day, challenging Duffy to a fight.

Both Barbella and Duffy were arrested, and charged with assault 2nd degree, disorderly conduct, and affray. Barbella was held on a $20,000 bond, that was later lowered to $5,000, before he posted, and was released. Duffy was initially released on personal recognizance.