Squirrel Jumps Into Glove During Tigers-Orioles Game

Sometimes the best moments in baseball happen when nobody's hitting home runs.

A black squirrel turned Monday night's Tigers vs. Orioles game into an unforgettable comedy show. The tiny troublemaker sprinted across the outfield warning track for a full inning while players continued the game around it.

During the seventh-inning stretch, about 15 grounds crew members emerged to catch the squirrel. What happened next had the entire stadium roaring with laughter.

The squirrel juked out crew members so badly that one fell to his knees. When security opened the outfield gate hoping it would run through, the squirrel had other plans.

Orioles outfielder Leody Taveras tried to help by scooping the critter into his glove. The squirrel launched itself out like an acrobat and kept running.

"When it got into my glove, I don't want to squeeze it, so I was just trying to bring it up," Taveras said after the game. "I hope it's good."

The grounds crew threw towels trying to corral the speedy visitor. One crew member briefly grabbed it, but the squirrel broke free again.

Play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti delivered thrilling commentary worthy of a World Series moment. "The squirrel is still eluding an entire horde of grounds crew members! I won't be hemmed in, I have freedom on my mind!"

After dodging two more towel attempts, the squirrel was finally caught under a third towel. The crowd actually booed the grounds crew member who carried it off the field, clearly Team Squirrel all the way.

Sunny's Take

Home plate umpire Bill Miller broke protocol to thank the grounds crew over the stadium speakers, earning them a standing ovation. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz summed up the whole situation perfectly: "The whole squirrel thing was nuts."

The squirrel's journey across Comerica Park reminded everyone that joy doesn't always come from the scoreboard. Sometimes it comes from watching humans and nature create unexpected magic together.

In a sport that can take itself too seriously, a fearless black squirrel gave thousands of people a story they'll retell for years. The Orioles won the game 8-5, but the real winner went home with a full belly and legendary status.