Next honor for game-saving beekeeper? A Topps baseball card

May 1st, 2024

Beekeeper-turned-folk hero Matt Hilton had quite the experience on Tuesday night, saving the Dodgers-Diamondbacks game from a swarm of bees. His legend has only continued to grow since then.

Topps announced that it has signed a deal with Hilton and is making autographed cards to commemorate his performance. The moment captured on Hilton's card came just before he threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and comes with the caption “Bee Afraid, Bee Very Afraid: Bees Swarm In Arizona.”

Hilton’s night began at his son’s tee-ball game on Tuesday. Little did he know that some 23 miles away at Chase Field, the game between the Dodgers and D-backs was about to enter a delay due to a swarm of bees settled on the protective netting behind home plate. Minutes later, Hilton received a call and was about to embark on a journey at Chase Field that would turn him into a baseball star overnight.

Now, Hilton has been bestowed one of the sport’s greatest honors by getting his own baseball card. Fans can purchase Hilton’s card for $8.99, which is available through the rest of the day. Those who buy a card also have a chance at receiving a randomly selected autograph or specialty card.