Watch: Selfie-Seeking Fans Rush Field, Accost MLB Player Mid-Game
MLB star Ronald Acuña Jr. was rushed by two fans on-field, instigating a bizarre melee during Monday night’s game between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies.
The incident happened during the seventh inning at Denver’s Coors Field. Footage shows the first man, who appeared to be holding a phone, rushing onto the field and wrapped his arms around the Braves’ outfielder. Security rushed the field and quickly worked to separate Acuña from the tenacious hugger.
Just as the situation appeared handled, a second fan careened onto the green to hug the baseball star. This time, the fan’s force sent Acuña tumbling to the ground. Security quickly pried the man from Acuña, who appeared somewhat bemused as he dusted himself off. As guards escorted the interloper from the field, he appeared to be angrily shouting at the players and security.
even the first fan, the more harmless selfie taker, is pretty far out of line just for making physical contact with a player. then comes the second pic.twitter.com/qlvWSh45Dx
— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) August 29, 2023
However, Acuña later cleared up the fans’ intent. They seemed to only want pictures, and though they were aggressive, he didn’t feel they posed an actual threat. “I was a little scared at first, but I think the fans were out there and asking for a picture,” Acuña told assembled media after the game, via a translator. “But security was able to get there, and so I think everything’s OK. Everyone’s OK.”
The two fans were detained by security. As of Tuesday, it was unclear whether local police were involved in the matter, or if the hugging duo would face any charges.
Nothing could ruffle Acuña’s astonishing streak, though. On Monday, he went four for five with a two-run home run, two stolen bases, a double, a walk, five RBIs and four runs scored. He’s now the fourth player in MLB history to score at least 25 home runs (he’s had 29) and 60 stolen bases (61) in a season. Acuña is just one home run away from becoming the first 30-60 player of all time.
Ronald Acuña Jr.: “I was a little scared at first, but I think the fans were out there and asking for a picture. But security was able to get there, and so I think everything’s OK. Everyone’s OK.”
— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) August 29, 2023
He said the second, more aggressive fan was also just asking for a photo. pic.twitter.com/lHeOcVKSSX