Baseball's Most Athletic Field Crashers
By Ryan Mayer, CBS Local Sports
Running onto the playing field during a sporting event is never a good idea. It's why television broadcasts now cut away from the person who is running onto the field. But some of these 'crashers' have shown some good athleticism. With the St. Louis Cardinals fan pulling off a good somersault at home plate last night, let's look at some of the most athletic field crashers.
Yankee Field Runner 2007
Setting the scene for you, the Yankees were up 6-2 in the game with Mariano Rivera in to close the game out when a man decided to take a stroll in the "House that Ruth built." Take a look at the video:
[youtube:"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TupyzcO-gqw"]
He shows really good athleticism here, strong lower body as he breaks through two different tackle attempts before finally being caught short of home plate. Considering he started deep in right field, you're talking about a nearly 100 yard dash.
Fan Dives Into Home At Orioles Game 2012
This fan doesn't run nearly as far, and seems to have a less coherent plan at the beginning of the video before deciding to make a dash for home after making sure to tag third base first, of course.
[youtube:"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzrg6F0krFE"]
Highly un-athletic running form, but the headfirst slide into home is pretty impressive. Have to give the man props on that one especially while doing it without a shirt on, which I imagine must have felt like sandpaper being dragged across his bare skin.
Minute Maid Park Elusive Crasher 2011
This is without a doubt the greatest field crash of all time.
[youtube:"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mQcOriUu94"]
Multiple elements of athletic ability shown here. First, the sprinting speed to be able to get from what looks like the 1st base side seats all the way out into center field. Then, on the cusp of the hill, he avoids the tackle with a juke step reminiscent of LeSean McCoy. After faking the security guard out of his shoes, he climbs the center field fence, the three levels of bleachers behind it before pulling himself up onto that elevated piece of grass and over the top section of the stadium. All without getting caught. This guy wins.