Squirrel wreaks havoc in outfield during Yankees-Orioles game
Who needs Marvel’s rabid raccoon when you have a super squirrel running through Yankee Stadium? It seemed entertaining enough for New York’s fans.
During the Yankees’ nail biting 6-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, fans got a show they didn’t pay for. The responses were… Varied.
Squirrely situation
The 22-second clip plays out like a Shakespearian play. Squirrel enters stage, dramatic response, heart-pumping action, squirrel exits stage. Seriously, get this squirrel on broadway. At the very least, give it a glove and stick it in right field.
While everybody enjoyed the odd interaction, many outsiders were confused by the fans’ seemingly terrified reaction.
“Take it easy, my god, you’ve seen enough rats in New York, what’s the big difference with a squirrel?” Chris Russo said on First Take this morning.
Fair point. Others, perhaps more familiar with oversized New York rodents, had more understandings responses.
The most dangerous game
Whether the squirrel was the villain or the hero of the story, it was undoubtedly the star of the show. Not every animal who has ended up at a sporting event has been so lucky. Who can forget the time San Antonio Spurs legend Manu Ginobili swatted a bat like it was a ping pong ball.
Or, if you’re interested in a more recent incident, how about when Cleveland Guardians RF Will Brennan drilled a bird with a line drive toward shortstop; the second bird hit by a baseball in the MLB in the past week.
Although fans and players alike walked away from these interactions with a smile on their face, maybe it’s best to keep our animal and sports interests separate. Then again, when the two mix, it sure is entertaining.
Watch to see if the squirrel strikes back as the Yankees and Orioles battle again at 7:05 p.m. tonight on ESPN+.