iStockphoto
Rays fans didn’t have much to cheer about in a 6-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night, but there was a bit of unexpected excitement midway through the game.
As Tampa Bay trailed, a crowd member decided to enter the playing field. After leaving the stands and taking off across the outfield grass, he was greeted with an extremely unwanted welcome.
A security crew team member chased the fan down, showing off the perfect form tackle in center field. The rest of the squad then escorted the fan off the field like a roped hog.
The person who ran onto the field getting tackled, carried off, and Ronald Acuña Jr. throwing their shoe.
(via @ParadeJoe) pic.twitter.com/dQvFPAPgEw
— Baseball GIFs (@gifs_baseball) July 9, 2023
I mean, just picture-perfect work here from the security team member. That takedown should be taught on youth football fields everywhere.
But maybe even more impressive than the tackle was the closing speed.
Like a defensive back chasing down a runner in the open field, the guard takes an impeccable angle before laying the Rays fan out flat.
A second angle of the tackle gives a better view of that chase down, showcasing the security team member’s ability to close ground.
Fan tackled on the field at the Braves vs Rays game. #ForTheA pic.twitter.com/4ZvwKvYwBe
— Taylor Thompson (@TThompsonTV) July 9, 2023
Social media followers were quick to comment on the tackle online.
One person wrote, “This was the greatest thing I’ve seen at a sporting event.”
Someone else said, “That dude ran him down like DK Metcalf on Budda Baker.”
This fan commented, “Carried him off like he was about to be drawn and quartered.”
As far as the game goes, Tampa Bay was shut down by Braves pitcher Spencer Strider. This security takedown might’ve been the most exciting moment for Rays fans.