The Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks game was delayed nearly two hours due to a swarm of bees at Chase Field in Phoenix. The bee colony swarmed the top of the protective netting behind home plate, causing a delay in the game. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts met with the umpires to discuss the situation, and the crowd was informed about the delay. The game was scheduled to begin promptly following the successful removal of the beehive by a professional beekeeper. The grounds crew member wheeled out a scissor lift and fans behind home plate were cleared out for safety while they waited for the beekeeper to arrive.
Matt Hilton, a beekeeper from Blue Sky Pest Control’s Phoenix office, arrived about 70 minutes after the scheduled first pitch. He suited up and rose towards the swarm on a cart from right field, causing cheers from the crowd. Hilton stunned the bees with spray and sucked them up with a shop vac while “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler played through the loud speakers. After removing the bees, Hilton lowered back onto the field with cheers from the crowd. The delay lasted nearly 90 minutes, and players were given 30 minutes to loosen back up before the game began. The Diamondbacks switched starting pitchers after the delay, and the game finally started at 8:35 p.m.
During the delay, Hilton was asked to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and he did so while wearing his beekeeper suit. The bees were not killed but were treated with a non-pesticidal solution and will be released off-site. Bee swarms are common in Arizona during the spring and have caused delays in sports events like spring training games and tournaments. The incident at Chase Field was not the first time a bee swarm caused a delay in a game, as similar occurrences have happened in the past. Despite having a retractable roof, Chase Field had its roof open during the game between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks.
The delay caused by the bee swarm was an unusual and entertaining moment for fans at the game. The unexpected appearance of the bees created a unique situation that required the expertise of a professional beekeeper to safely remove them from the field. The incident showcased the importance of preserving the bee population and handling such situations with care and consideration for the bees’ well-being. Hilton’s quick and efficient removal of the bees allowed the game to continue without further delays, and his participation in throwing out the first pitch added an unexpected and memorable moment to the game.
The bee swarm incident at Chase Field highlighted the significance of human-animal interactions and the impact of environmental factors on sporting events. Climate change, coupled with the declining bee population, has led to increased incidents of bee swarms and disruptions in various settings, including sports games. The event served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of nature and human activities, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to protect wildlife and prevent such occurrences in the future. Awareness of environmental issues and efforts to mitigate their effects are essential in preserving ecosystems and maintaining the balance between human development and ecological conservation. The bee swarm incident at the Dodgers-Diamondbacks game provided a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and the role of individuals in safeguarding the natural world.
In conclusion, the bee swarm incident at Chase Field during the Dodgers-Diamondbacks game highlighted the unexpected challenges that can arise in sports due to environmental factors like bee populations and climate change. The quick response of a professional beekeeper allowed the game to proceed without further interruptions, showcasing the importance of expertise and preparedness in handling such situations. The event underscored the need for sustainable practices and environmental awareness to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of both animals and humans during sports events and other activities. By acknowledging the impact of climate change on the biodiversity of ecosystems, individuals can contribute to the conservation efforts needed to address environmental challenges and promote a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
