[naught33]

OAKLAND, Calif. -- A fan threw a beer at Yankees slugger Jason Giambi in the eighth inning of New York's 15-6 victory over Oakland on Saturday night, the latest embarrassing incident in the Coliseum's recent problems with overzealous fans.

Giambi was hit by the fan as he walked back to the Yankees' dugout after flying out. Several other fans immediately pointed out the offending spectator, who was brusquely removed by security and police.

An Oakland Police Department spokesperson didn't immediately know details about the fan's detainment.

Giambi was dampened but uninjured, and the former A's slugger didn't take offense.

"I'm not going to let one idiot ruin it," Giambi said. "I've got too many good memories here. ... Some fans are starting to get out of control, there's no doubt about it, but security jumped right on it."

Giambi has been booed loudly at the Coliseum ever since he left the A's before the 2002 season to sign a seven-year contract with New York. The slumping designated hitter went 1-for-4 against Oakland to improve his average to .200.

His teammates and coaches expressed support for Giambi while praising the Coliseum security personnel who detained the fan.

"It's dangerous. People don't realize how dangerous this stuff is," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "[Giambi] didn't say a thing. He handled it perfectly."

The incident was at least the third strange altercation involving Oakland fans in three years.

In 2003, a fan was charged with assault after throwing a cell phone from the second deck of the stadium, hitting Rangers outfielder Carl Everett in the back of the head.

Last September, three Texas pitchers became involved in a shouting match with fans near the Rangers' bullpen -- and reliever Frank Francisco threw a metal chair into the stands, breaking the nose of Jennifer Bueno, whose husband had spent the night heckling the Rangers.

Francisco was arrested the next morning, and he is scheduled to stand trial on a charge of misdemeanor assault next month. Bueno and another fan have filed lawsuits against the Rangers, the players and the Coliseum's security company