Raccoon Kidnaps Philadelphia Union Game With a Field Appearance
A raccoon, fangs exposed, dashed out onto the Subaru Park stadium field Wednesday night in Chester, in a match between the Philadelphia Union and New York City F.C.
The raccoon’s appearance delayed the game for two minutes and 41 seconds, writes Victor Mather for The New York Times.
It apparently broke a M.LS. record for on-pitch animal freedom as comic scenes unfolded of groundskeeper desperately trying to trap the critter in a trash can.
Even when it appeared trapped at one point, it emerged triumphantly from the trash can for more maneuvers.
The game eventually resumed, with New York City F.C. beating the Philadelphia Union 2-1.
This apparently happens more than you think.
When an animal does show up uninvited on fields of play, it almost always overshadows the game that preceded its appearance.
Another animal link to Philadelphia happened during a 2011 World Series playoff game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cardinals. A squirrel dashed onto the field, making its way to home plate.
The squirrel showed up at three different games in the 2011 series against the Phillies. The Cardinals won the playoffs and went on to win the World Series that year.
Read more about animal encounters in sports in The New York Times.
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