Executive summary: A squirrel interrupted a Major League Baseball game between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, causing a brief delay and providing a light-hearted moment during the intense rivalry. The incident occurred in the fourth inning when the squirrel ran onto the field, interacted with players, and captivated the audience before being escorted away.
Who was involved: The primary ‘actor’ was a wild squirrel that found its way onto the field. The players involved included Boston Red Sox rookie Jhostynxon Garcia, who was at bat during the incident, and New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried. Both teams, their coaches, and the grounds crew were also part of the scene, as well as the fans in attendance.
What happened: During the top of the fourth inning, a squirrel scurried onto the field from behind home plate. It ran into the batter’s box and bumped into Garcia’s foot, causing him to call a timeout. The squirrel then proceeded to run across the infield, towards the pitcher’s mound where Fried was standing, and even attempted to dig a hole briefly. Play was halted for a few moments as the squirrel dashed around, eventually moving into foul territory.
When it occurred: The event took place on Friday, August 22, 2025, during a regular-season MLB game between the Yankees and Red Sox. Specifically, it happened in the top of the fourth inning, around 8:39 PM local time, as reported by MLB.com.
Where it happened: The incident occurred at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York City, during a home game for the New York Yankees against their arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox.
Why it might have happened: While the exact reason for the squirrel’s appearance is unknown, it’s likely that the animal was startled or disoriented and found an opening into the stadium. Yankee Stadium, like many urban ballparks, occasionally has wildlife intrusions due to its location and the presence of food sources.
How it unfolded: The squirrel emerged from behind home plate, startling Garcia who was at bat with a 3-2 count. After bumping into Garcia, it ran across the infield grass, prompting first baseman Ben Rice to step aside. It then approached the mound, where Fried watched amusedly before play resumed. The squirrel continued to search for an exit, bumping into walls, while grounds crew members attempted to guide it out without causing harm.
Impact of the event: The interruption provided a humorous break in the tense rivalry game, lightening the mood for players and fans alike. It didn’t significantly affect the game’s outcome, as play resumed shortly after, but it became a viral moment on social media, with clips shared widely. For Garcia, it marked an unusual debut memory in his major league career.
What’s next: Typically, such incidents are handled by stadium security and grounds crew, who ensure the animal is safely removed. There’s no expected long-term impact, but it adds to the lore of baseball’s unpredictable moments. The teams will likely continue their season without further disruption from wildlife.