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Handelsman, two others in serious condition after Fayetteville ballpark explosion

Fayetteville SwampDogsDarrell Handelsman, owner and manager of the Fayetteville SwampDogs (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League), is in serious condition at a local hospital after a propane explosion at J.P. Riddle Stadium. UPDATED!

Handelsman, an institution in summer-collegiate ball after coaching stints in the Northwoods League and Coastal Plain League and certainly a man who lives life to the fullest, was working on ballpark prep in anticipation of the season opener slated for the coming Wednesday. Unaware of propane gas leak on a commercial-grade grill, staff tried to light it, leading to an explosion that blew the windows out of the grill building. Four were injured as a result; Handelsman was taken to UNC Hospital and listed in serious condition as of last night. Also in serious condition: SwampDogs operations manager Mark Wilderman and intern Jonathan Wilson-Daughtner.

Handelsman and his father, Lew Handelsman, own the SwampDogs as well as the Wilmington Sharks, also of the Coastal Plain League.

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