By Cory Fallon
First things first, this is going to be a list of bizarre and unplanned things that have happened on the field and won’t be in any particular order. Events like Disco Demolition Night and Ten Cent Beer Night won’t be included, but I highly suggest looking them up if you haven’t heard of them until now.
Also, nothing to do with the actual game itself will qualify, disqualifying things such as a fly ball bouncing off of Jose Canseco’s head or Harvey Haddix throwing 12 perfect innings then losing a game.
1) Rick Monday Saves a Burning Flag
On April 25, 1976, a pair of protesters hopped onto the outfield grass at Dodger Stadium and attempted to light an American flag on fire. Rick Monday, who had been playing centerfield for the visiting Chicago Cubs, saw what was happening, scooped up the flag and brought it to safety. Monday got a standing ovation from the Dodger Stadium faithful and still has the flag to this day.
#OTD 1976 A very good Ballplayer for many years,Rick Monday will always be remembered for this day when He saved the Flag from protestors at Dodger Stadium.(described by Vin Scully).#Dodgers #LosAngeles #USA #1970s #Cubs #Chicago
— Tom's Old Days (@sigg20) April 25, 2022
2) Fan Parachutes onto Field During the World Series
Game 6 of the 1986 World Series is iconic thanks to Bill Buckner’s error, but something else happened involving Buckner earlier in the game that is just as insane. While he was at the plate, a fan with a banner that read “Go Mets” a fan parachuted onto the field at Shea Stadium, briefly stopping play before being detained by police.
3) Earthquake Halts 1989 World Series
So this isn’t technically during a game as this happened just before first pitch, but prior to first pitch of Game 3 of the 1989 World Series between the Giants and A’s, an earthquake struck California and knocked out the broadcast of the game. The quake devastated California and delayed the series 10 days before play finally resumed.
October 17, 1989: Game 3 of the '89 World Series.
31 minutes prior to the scheduled first pitch at Candlestick Park, a 6.9 earthquake shook the Bay Area like never before. #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/9WVFGZzoyD
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) October 17, 2019
4) Father and Son attack first base coach
Tom Gamboa is an experienced coach and manager in professional baseball and was the Kansas City Royals first base coach during the 2002 season. During a game against the Chicago White Sox, Gamboa was attacked by a father and son duo who unprovoked, jumped onto the field and began swinging at Gamboa. The Royals were quick to his defense, but he suffered permanent hearing loss in his right ear as a result.
https://twitter.com/RealKentMurphy/status/1036729742299459585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
5) Here comes the pizza
This one isn’t as shocking as the previous four, but it’s one of my favorite moments to ever happen on a baseball field. After a foul ball was interfered with, a fan hucked his piece of pizza at the guy who interfered, causing an all-time wtf moment and a laugh fest from Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy in the booth.
Happy National Pizza Day! 🍕 pic.twitter.com/GEc9qvxtBm
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) February 9, 2022
Photo Credit: Joseph Sohm
