(Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers have game delayed due to a bee colony inside Chase Field

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Griffin McVeigh | Last updated 5/1/24

Folks inside of Chase Field are having to bee aware of some insects inside of the stadium.

A bee colony has formed just behind home plate and is big enough to where the game has been delayed. There are plenty of reasons to delay a baseball game but bees being in the area have to be one of the more unusual ones.

Luckily, the game had not officially started and the start time is just expected to be pushed back. Luckily, per Bob Nightingale of the USA TODAY, a beekeeper is on its way to resolve the issue and hopefully get the game started on Tuesday night.

“The scheduled game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers has been temporarily delayed due to the presence of a beehive in the netting directly behind home plate at Chase Field,” a statement from the Diamondbacks said. “We anticipate that the game will resume promptly following the successful removal of the beehive by a professional beekeeper. Updates will be provided as soon as they become available.”

"We ask that you please BEE patient." pic.twitter.com/WHU1Hl6aAR
— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 1, 2024

While first pitch could have been thrown and maybe gotten through the situation, the Dodgers expressed concern about their safety if a foul ball were to be hit into the netting. Naturally, the bees would likely go insane and make the situation even worse. So, the determination was made to push back the start time until it was resolved.

“It sounds like that until they can make a situation where they can get the bees out — the biggest concern that I’m hearing from the players along with (Dodgers manager) Dave Roberts is if a foul ball hits off the net, the bees are going to go everywhere. Which is to be expected,” the Dodgers broadcast said before the game was officially delayed.

All seats behind home plate have been evacuated to keep fans safe as well, with there being more than player safety being thought about.

Something similar has occurred in the past at multiple different parks. Last season was the latest, with a game at Camden Yards between the Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies being delayed in the bottom of the first inning.

This swarm was not as big as the one in Phoenix, though. And worst-case scenario, the game can be at a later date. Arizona and Los Angeles are scheduled to play again tomorrow night at 6:40 p.m. local time. A traditional double header can always take place.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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