An out had not even been recorded in High-A Hudson Valley’s contest against Brooklyn on Thursday when the game took a turn for the wacky.
A goose found its way onto the field at Heritage Financial Park, evading both players and groundskeepers alike in a brief appearance that raised goosebumps among those on the field and in attendance. No word on whether it was looking for fowl territory.
When the bird nonchalantly walked across the outfield grass, Renegades right fielder Aldenis Sanchez showed absolutely no fear, immediately charging at it at full speed with his arms flapping. But not intimidated by the Yankees prospect, the goose glided away and continued its stroll.
This has got to be why the phrase “wild goose chase” exists.
After Sanchez’s unsuccessful attempt to spook the bird off the field, a quartet of Hudson Valley groundkeepers jogged into the outfield and started to run after the water fowl, at first to no avail. This goose seemed to dodge the crew like a running back, darting through legs and using its wings to pick up some extra speed.
Even the Renegades broadcasters got in on the fun, chiming in with, “This is a brand-new, unofficial game -- find the goose!” and “Staff ... staff ... goose” as four men failed to pin down the goose despite a concerted effort that included clapping their hands and surrounding the bird.
The goose squeezing underneath the legs of one crew member elicited a very excited “Ooh! Between the legs!” from up in the booth.
All good things must come to an end, though, and the goose ultimately surrendered by plopping down onto the grass as a groundskeeper reached down, picked it up and promptly released the bird into the woods behind the stadium. It reminded us of the goose that invaded the Dodgers-Padres NLDS last year.
Even if it interrupted the national pastime, we’re glad the goose seemed to have a honkin’ good time in Hudson Valley.