During the second inning of Monday night’s game against the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians outfielder Will Brennan hit a hard grounder that accidentally killed a bird wandering on the infield grass. With a runner at first base, Brennan hit a 92.6 mph fastball from Chicago’s Jesse Scholtens. The ball hit a small bird that had wandered onto the field, sending it flying. Umpires called time, allowing a member of the grounds crew to remove the dead bird with a shovel.
The Apology
Following the game, Brennan took to Twitter to apologize for the incident, saying “I truly am sorry @peta and bird enthusiasts. An unfortunate sacrifice.” While unintentional, the incident raised questions about the safety of animals on the field during games.
Similar Incidents
This is the second time in a week that a major league player has unintentionally killed a bird. Last week, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen unintentionally struck and killed a bird while warming up in the outfield before a game against the Oakland Athletics. Gallen’s shot brought to mind Arizona Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson, who famously obliterated a bird that flew in front of the plate during one of the left-hander’s fastballs in a 2001 spring training game.
The Safety of Animals on the Field
The incident has sparked a conversation about the safety of animals on the field during games. While it is rare for animals to be hit by balls during games, it can happen. In 2019, a pigeon was hit by a pitch during a game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels. The bird was unharmed and flew away. However, incidents like these raise concerns about the safety of animals on the field and the potential risks to players. It remains to be seen if any changes will be made to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
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