MLB game reports, official Arizona Diamondbacks announcements

Bee Swarm Causes Over Hour Delay at MLB Game, Beekeeper Throws First Pitch

May 1, 2024, 02:17 AM

A significant bee-related delay occurred during a Major League Baseball game at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The game was halted due to a large swarm of bees congregating on the net behind home plate, leading to concerns about player and spectator safety. The situation required the intervention of a local beekeeper, Matt Hilton, who was called in from his child's T-ball game to address the issue. The delay lasted over an hour as officials, armed with an industrial vacuum and a lift for the beekeeper, worked to safely remove the bees, which needed a 30-minute cooling off period. The game resumed after the bees were cleared, with the beekeeper receiving cheers from the crowd as he descended from the hive and even throwing the first pitch. Officials noted the game was very close to being called off due to the delay.