Arizona beekeeper Matt Hilton was called to Chase Field to deal with a swarm of bees that had gathered behind home plate, causing a nearly two-hour delay in the Diamondbacks’ game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team’s vice president of baseball operations, Mike Rock, received a call minutes before the game started about the bees, who were estimated to be in the thousands. Hilton, a branch manager for Blue Sky Pest Control, was quickly summoned to handle the situation, transitioning from minor leagues to the big leagues for the night.
Hilton, who was at his son’s T-ball game when he received the call, joked about the sudden change in plans, remarking on the unique experience of being called in to deal with bees at a major league baseball game. As a gesture of gratitude for his beekeeping efforts, Hilton was asked to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, which he initially had not anticipated. Despite feeling slightly nervous about the task, Hilton enjoyed the enthusiastic support of the crowd as he made the throw, ultimately adding to the memorable nature of the evening for him.
Following the bee-related delay and Hilton’s ceremonial pitch, the Diamondbacks went on to defeat the Dodgers with a score of 4-3. The unexpected events of the night, including the swarm of bees and Hilton’s involvement, added an element of excitement and entertainment to the game for both players and spectators. The Associated Press contributed to the coverage of the incident at Chase Field, highlighting the unique circumstances that led to Hilton’s impromptu involvement in the game and subsequent ceremonial first pitch.
For Hilton, the experience of being called to Chase Field to deal with the bees and then being asked to throw the ceremonial first pitch was a surreal and unexpected turn of events. Despite the initial surprise and nervousness, Hilton appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the game in a unique way, with the crowd’s support adding to the excitement of the moment. The combination of bee-related drama and the subsequent baseball game provided an unusual and memorable evening for all involved, showcasing the unpredictable nature of live sports events and the unexpected twists they can bring.
The swift response to the bee swarm at Chase Field, with Hilton’s prompt arrival and successful handling of the situation, ensured that the game could proceed and the players and spectators could enjoy the rest of the evening’s events. Hilton’s expertise as a beekeeper proved invaluable in resolving the issue quickly and efficiently, allowing for the game to continue without further delays. The collaboration between Hilton, Diamondbacks officials, and stadium staff demonstrated the importance of having a plan in place for unexpected incidents and the effectiveness of quick decision-making in resolving such issues in a timely manner.
The evening’s events at Chase Field, including the bee swarm, Hilton’s unexpected involvement, and the Diamondbacks’ subsequent victory over the Dodgers, served as a reminder of the unpredictable and exciting nature of live sports events. Despite the initial disruption caused by the bees, the situation was swiftly resolved thanks to the quick actions of Hilton and the Diamondbacks’ staff, ultimately leading to a successful and memorable game. Hilton’s impromptu first pitch added an extra layer of excitement to the night, highlighting the camaraderie and spirit of cooperation that can emerge in unexpected circumstances during sporting events.
