It was quite a bizarre scene during a recent game at LoanDepot Park as the Miami Marlins ball boy inexplicably interfered with a live ball that was hit in-play.
The incident occurred in the top of the sixth inning of Thursday’s game against Los Angeles when Dodgers All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman hit a soft liner just inside the right field line for a double.
To the surprise of everyone, including Freeman, the ball boy mistakenly believed the ball was foul. Oblivious to the live play, he picked up the ball and casually tossed it into the stands.
As a result of the ball boy’s error, Freeman advanced to second base, and Mookie Betts, who was on first base following a walk, took advantage of the confusion and sprinted home.
The Dodgers capitalized on the situation, scoring four runs in the top of the sixth inning and solidifying their lead. They ultimately won the game 10-0.
How long did the Marlins wait to tell that ballboy he was fired?
— Clinton Kildepstein (@BillKildepstein) September 8, 2023
What a crazy scene. The ball boy (hopefully) felt terrible upon realizing his mistake. Jesus Sanchez came over to console him and make sure he was okay…
Jesús Sánchez came over to let the @Marlins ball boy know it’s ok. So everyone else can calm down, too. #MarlinsBallBoy pic.twitter.com/lRfYM59cbr
— Nick Janeway (@nickjaneway) September 8, 2023
Unfortunately, these types of things happen way more often than they should – but this was certainly one of the crazier ones.