A split-second "deeply regrettable mistake" led to his public humiliation and changed his life forever.
That's what court heard Wednesday as Ken Pagan, the man who admitted to tossing a beer can during a Blue Jays and Orioles game last year, received his sentence.
As he sniffled, Pagan read a statement in court, apologizing to the two teams and fans for a mistake that he is ashamed of.
"I am fully aware of the disgrace I brought to the game and the embarassment this caused," he said.
Pagan pleaded guilty to mischief last month. The Crown asked for a conviction and 12 months probation, while the defence asked for an absolute discharge.
The judge decided on a conditional discharge, which means Pagan will not have a criminal record. He will be on probation for a year, during which time he can't attend a Major League baseball game, or get within 500m of the Rogers Centre.
He also has to complete 100 hours of community service.
The prosecutor argued that a conviction was necessary to send a message to the public that such actions are serious and there was potential for physical harm.
Defence lawyer Tyler Smith, though, said that message has already been sent, "loud and clear."
"He's incredibly remourseful about what happened. He accepted total responsibility," Smith said. "The impact on him has been huge."
The judge acknowledged that Pagan has been humiliated and harassed.
Pagan's lawyer Tyler Smith speaks with reporters outside the courthouse pic.twitter.com/Q2Pm714yHu
— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) June 28, 2017