The intersection of sports and animals can create some truly unforgettable moments. From raccoons to squirrels to bees, these unexpected and often amusing interruptions can add an element of surprise to any sporting event. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top animal-on-field moments in sports history.
Raccoon at Subaru Park
During a game between the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC in 2024, play was momentarily stopped when a raccoon made its way onto the field at Subaru Park. Despite the best efforts of workers to remove the creature, it took over 2 minutes to finally escort the raccoon off the field. This unexpected visitor added a touch of wildlife to the MLS game.
In Bradenton, Florida in 2024, a turtle made a surprise appearance on the field during a game involving the Bradenton Marauders, a minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pitcher Magdiel Cotto had to step in to safely remove the fast-moving reptile from play, causing a brief pause in the game.
Before a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, a colony of bees descended on Chase Field, leading to a delay of almost two hours. The Diamondbacks had to call in a beekeeper to handle the situation, which ultimately resulted in an unconventional ceremonial first pitch. The unexpected bee encounter added some buzz to the game.
During a game at Angel Stadium in California in 2024, players and fans were surprised by a cat that ran onto the field and made its way into the Philadelphia Phillies’ dugout. While not a black cat, this furry intruder still managed to cause a momentary distraction during the game.
Yankee Stadium played host to an unexpected visitor in the form of a squirrel that ran across the outfield wall during a game in 2023. Fortunately, both the squirrel and the spectators emerged unscathed from the impromptu dash across the field, adding a touch of wildlife to the baseball game.
AT&T Center in San Antonio has had its fair share of bat-related incidents over the years. From Manu Ginobili swatting down a bat during a game against the Sacramento Kings in 2009 to multiple encounters with bats in 2019, including the Spurs’ mascot capturing a bat with a fishing net, these incidents have become a memorable part of the arena’s history.
Rally Squirrel at Busch Stadium
During Game 3 of the National League Division Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, a gray squirrel made a surprise appearance on the field at Busch Stadium. While the squirrel didn’t cause a delay in the game, its unexpected presence added a moment of confusion for players and spectators alike.
Cats have also made their mark on sports venues, with incidents at M&T Bank Stadium in 2017 and MetLife Stadium in 2019 during NFL games. From a playful kitten at a Ravens game to a black cat at a Giants-Cowboys matchup, these feline intruders added a touch of excitement to the football games.
Dog at Dunhill Links Championship
Not to be outdone, a dog stole the show at the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland in 2012 by running onto the course and grabbing golfer Paul Casey’s ball off the green. Despite the unexpected interruption, Casey was able to continue playing and even scored a birdie on the hole, turning the incident into a memorable moment.
Finally, a swarm of bees caused a delay at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati in 2019 before a game between the San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds. The unexpected appearance of the bees added a moment of suspense and intrigue to the pre-game proceedings, highlighting the unpredictable nature of wildlife in sports.
Animal interruptions in sports can range from amusing to unexpected, creating memorable moments for players and fans alike. While these incidents may disrupt the flow of the game, they also serve as a reminder of the unpredictable and diverse world of nature that can sometimes find its way onto the field of play. So the next time an animal makes an appearance at a sporting event, take a moment to appreciate the unique and entertaining experience it brings to the game.