A black squirrel caused a stir at Comerica Park on Monday, interrupting the Detroit Tigers' game against the Baltimore Orioles and leading to an extended effort by the grounds crew to remove it from the field. The incident occurred during the seventh inning, transforming a routine baseball game into a spectacle of pursuit.
The squirrel made its way onto the field earlier, but the grounds crew mobilized in force around the middle of the seventh inning. At least a dozen staff members took to the field, attempting to corral the agile critter. The chase provided what some observers described as cartoonish entertainment, with the squirrel repeatedly evading capture.
At one point, Orioles third base coach Buck Britton offered the squirrel a sunflower seed, a moment captured by the broadcast. Later, Orioles outfielder Leody Taveras attempted to assist in the capture, briefly scooping up the animal before it wriggled free and continued its escape.
The prolonged chase eventually concluded when a grounds crew member managed to cover the squirrel with a towel and secure it. The crowd at Comerica Park reacted with boos upon the squirrel's capture, having seemingly enjoyed the disruption and the chase. Home plate umpire Bill Miller acknowledged the grounds crew's efforts over the public address system, requesting applause for their persistence.
The Detroit Tigers organization has not released details regarding the squirrel's condition or any potential future actions concerning the animal. The game itself concluded with the Orioles defeating the Tigers 8-5.