Petco Park keeper has strong bee game during pregame
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SAN DIEGO -- Petco Park has been buzzing all season. Especially so on Monday.
About two hours before the Padres’ series opener against the Marlins, a swarm of bees took refuge on the camera behind home plate at Petco Park. The area was eventually cordoned off as a beekeeper removed the swarm while the Marlins took batting practice.
“During batting practice today, a swarm of bees settled in the area of the protective netting behind home plate," the team said in a statement. "To ensure the safety of our fans, a professional beekeeper humanely removed the bees and released them at a safe location offsite.”
There was no delay to any of the proceedings for the game. But, hey, it wouldn’t have been the first time it’s happened.
Six years ago, another game between the Marlins and Padres at Petco Park was delayed 28 minutes by a swarm of bees. In fact, in the ballpark’s 22-season existence, there have been a total of 10 delays -- eight due to rain and two due to bees. In 2009, the Padres and Astros had a game delayed by a swarm of bees.
Monday’s bee removal appeared to go off without a hitch. No word on whether part-time beekeeper Dylan Cease volunteered for the job.