Reds 3B performs Heimlich maneuver on man inside Pittsburgh restaurant

PITTSBURGH — If the whole baseball thing doesn't work out for Todd Frazier, he may have discovered a second career as an emergency medical technician or, maybe, a lifeguard.

The Cincinnati Reds third baseman had two hits and drove in two runs during an 8-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after thinking quickly to save a local restaurantgoer from a serious medical emergency.

Frazier and teammate Ryan Ludwick were eating dinner on Monday night at the Capital Grill when they noticed a customer across the room struggling to breathe.

Frazier said the man was choking on steak, and the ballplayer leaped into action, jumping behind the man and using the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge a sizable piece of meat.

"I don't know what it was. It was a monster piece," Frazier said. "The lady he was with was crying, and it was like, surreal. Never done it before in my life."

Frazier said he credits training he received in high school for knowing what to do.

"It was pretty surreal. We were just trying to go and get a nice dinner, and it was. Unfortunately, the guy was choking on a piece of steak, and I just tried to help as I could," Frazier said. "It was just a couple of Heimlich maneuvers, and it came out. Just grateful."

The customer recovered, thanked both players, then picked up the tab without realizing either played for the Reds.

Considering the way Frazier is slugging the ball, he may not remain anonymous for long.

WPXI