Thunder and lightning are nothing new around the ballpark. In fact, in some parts of the country, summer thunderstorms are quite common.
But what happened during a game between the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A affiliate of the Orioles) and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Marlins) at Vystar Ballpark on Tuesday wasn't common at all.
Ever heard of a "thunder balk?"
Well, add that term to your baseball lexicon because it's a thing. That was proven in the bottom of the first inning, when Norfolk starter Roansy Contreras began his delivery to Jacksonville's Graham Pauley. As Contreras lifted his leg from the set position and was about to release the baseball, a massive crash of thunder resounded around the stadium and Contreras ... well, he did what any of us would do -- he balked.
A Jacksonville runner who was at third base was awarded home, and the Jumbo Shrimp were on the board.
Tides manager Tim Federowicz came out to argue with the home plate umpire, who made the balk call. But while the situation was unusual, to say the least, a balk's a balk even if it happens while you're fearing for your life.
As they say, though: All's well that ends well. Contreras didn't allow the bizarre incident to steal his thunder -- he gave up three runs over five innings and picked up his fifth win of the season as Norfolk won the game, 9-5.