Winter Haven, Florida – On January 17, 2026, at approximately 6:20 p.m., Winter Haven Police officers responded to a reported fight at the Chain of Lakes Complex Baseball Fields, located at 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Officers identified two victims: a 21-year-old umpire (Victim 1) officiating the game and wearing official umpire identifiers, and Victim 1’s father (Victim 2), who was in the stands.
During the game, Victim 1 issued a verbal warning to Marcos Antonio Aballi, 25, of Kissimmee, Florida, a coach for one of the participating teams.
Following the warning, Yosmany Guzman Fernandez, 38, of Kissimmee, Florida—the father of a player on Aballi’s team—approached Victim 2 in the stands. Fernandez initiated an altercation due to dissatisfaction with the warning, pushing Victim 2 and punching him in the face. Prior negative encounters had occurred between Fernandez and both victims.
Victim 1 left the field to intervene and separate the individuals. Aballi then struck Victim 1 from behind, causing Victim 1 to fall to the ground. Members of Aballi’s team left the dugout and entered the altercation.
Yosmany Alejandro Fernandez, 17, of Kissimmee—a player on the team and son of Yosmany Guzman Fernandez—joined the fight and kicked Victim 1 while he was on the ground. Witnesses pulled the 17-year-old away, but he re-engaged. A separate witness attempted to shield Victim 1 and was struck during the incident.
Victim 2 required no medical attention. Victim 1 was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries.
The three individuals were arrested and transported as follows:
- Marcos Antonio Aballi, 25, charged with Battery on a Sports Official During an Event (Felony 3). Transported to Polk County Jail.
- Yosmany Guzman Fernandez, 38, charged with Battery on a Sports Official During an Event (Felony 3) and Simple Battery (Misdemeanor 1). Transported to Polk County Jail.
- Yosmany Alejandro Fernandez, 17, charged with Battery on a Sports Official During an Event (Felony 3). Transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
According to the Winter Haven Police Department, involved parties are legal U.S. citizens. The incident occurred during a travel baseball tournament at the facility. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: WINTER HAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT
