FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — A former Orioles minor league pitcher pleaded guilty to sexually abusing the 15-year-old son a family with whom he lived while playing for the Frederick Keys in 1998.
Forty-two-year-old Eric Estes entered the plea Thursday in Frederick. In exchange, prosecutors dropped charges of third-degree sex offense and attempted second-degree sex offense.
The conviction carries a maximum 15 years, but prosecutors are recommending that Estes get no prison time. They're recommending three years of supervised probation and that Estes register as a sex offender. Sentencing is set for May 21.
Estes lived with the family in 1997 while playing for the Frederick Keys and the Bowie Baysox, both Baltimore Orioles affiliates.
Estes pitched in 26 games for Frederick in 1997, and nine games with the Class AA Bowie Baysox in 1998 during his only two seasons in the Orioles' system.
Estes has been on paid leave from his job as a baseball coach at Skyview High School in Vancouver, Washington.