Baseball&039;s Hall Of Hilarity: The Funniest Moments In America&039;s Pastime
Baseball, the beloved national pastime, is not only a sport of skill and strategy but also a source of endless laughter and absurdity. Over the years, the diamond has witnessed countless moments that have left fans in stitches. From hilarious mishaps to quirky traditions, here's a rundown of baseball's Hall of Hilarity.
**The Great Banana Peel Slip**
In 1920, Boston Red Sox pitcher Smokey Joe Wood had the unfortunate honor of slipping on a banana peel during the World Series. He promptly landed on his posterior, much to the amusement of the crowd. The incident became so legendary that the banana has become a symbol of baseball's slapstick moments.
**The Curse of the Chicken**
In 1994, a fan named Harry Caray instructed the Chicago Cubs to wave a live chicken at the opposing St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs won the game, and thus began a strange tradition that has continued to this day. Unfortunately, the Cardinals have never forgotten the indignity, and they often bring their own chicken mascot to Cubs games.
**The Pinata Home Run**
In 2004, San Francisco Giants outfielder Moises Alou hit a towering home run that landed in the middle of a children's birthday party at Candlestick Park. As the kids scrambled for the ball, Alou himself joined in the fun, grabbing a slice of cake and high-fiving the youngsters.
**The Umpire's Epic Strikeout**
In 2014, umpire Jim Joyce made an infamous call that cost Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game. Joyce wrongly called a hit a foul ball, and the Tigers lost the game in extra innings. Joyce later apologized profusely and became the subject of both sympathy and jokes.
**The "Invisible Ball" Incident**
In 1998, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kevin Brown thought he had caught a line drive during a game against the New York Mets. However, the ball had actually passed through his legs, resulting in a hit for the Mets. Brown's bewildered expression as he looked for the ball became a classic image of baseball comedy.
**The Bullpen Cart Crash**
In 2007, the New York Yankees' bullpen cart took an unexpected detour when it careened into a wall during a game against the Oakland Athletics. Several relievers were thrown into the outfield grass, much to the astonishment of the crowd. Miraculously, no one was seriously injured, but the incident became a viral sensation.
**The Mascot Melee**
In 2010, the Philadelphia Phillies' mascot, the Phanatic, engaged in a hilarious brawl with the Washington Nationals' mascot, Screech. The two mascots traded blows, threw popcorn, and even crashed into a dugout. The incident ended in a stalemate, but it provided endless entertainment for fans.
**The "Buckner Ball"**
In the 1986 World Series, Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner made an infamous fielding error that allowed the New York Mets to win the game. The play became known as the "Buckner Ball" and has haunted Red Sox fans ever since. However, Buckner himself has embraced the humor in the situation, and he often jokes about the incident.
