Top Sky Sox official hurt in blast

A top official with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox baseball team was critically injured in an explosion Saturday while preparing the fireworks display for an afternoon game.

Rai Henniger, 47, was in critical condition late Saturday at Memorial Hospital Central. He is senior vice president of marketing and promotions for the team, and a licensed fireworks exhibitor who has been handling fireworks there for years, team officials said.

“Rai has been a staple here since the Sky Sox came here,” said Sky Sox general manager Tony Ensor. “He’s easily the most beloved Sky Sox employee here, and our entire staff is shaken up by it.”

Officials don’t know what caused the explosion. According to team officials and the Colorado Springs Fire Department, Henniger was behind the scoreboard around 3 p.m., preparing the small fireworks display that is launched when home runs are hit or the team wins. He was alone at the time.

Employees heard an explosion and found Henniger with severe injuries. Team officials said he was conscious.

Sky Sox spokesman Michael Hobson said a groundskeeper saw him minutes before the blast, and nothing was out of the ordinary.

Team officials described the firework that exploded as a commercial shell. The team is working with fire investigators to determine what made it explode.

“Rai knows what he’s doing with the fireworks and that’s his thing and we just don’t know right now,” Ensor said.

Fire department Lt. Brian Keys said Henniger suffered non-life-threatening injuries to his head and face.

According to the Sky Sox media guide, Henniger came here when the Hawaii Islanders became the Sky Sox in 1988. He is now the only remaining employee who was with the Islanders.

Fans will know him as the one who does on-field promotions between innings during the games.

He has a wife and three children, according to the media guide. Ensor said his family was by his side at the hospital.

The Sky Sox are a Triple-A baseball team.

The game against the Memphis Redbirds went on as scheduled, though Ensor said there would be no fireworks display.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 476-1605 or scott.rappold@gazette.com