Well, you don't see this every day…but then again, it is Cleveland.
It's a, well, interesting day at Progressive Field. Yes, that is a live chicken in the outfield shagging flies. pic.twitter.com/fKTHeG5LIA
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) September 4, 2013
Alright – so why was there a chicken on the field during batting practice at Progessive Field? I'll let ESPN take over from here.
Pitcher Justin Masterson carried a live chicken on to the field for the team's pregame drills. The bird, supplied by one of the Indians' clubhouse workers from an area farm, spent most of batting practice standing with Cleveland's pitchers in front of the warning track in center field.
The chicken, unfazed by its surroundings, stood calmly on the field while balls hit during batting practice fell nearby. Several curious players came by to observe the chicken, which was picked up by pitchers Cody Allen and Rich Hill and then carried off the field when the drills concluded.
The chicken was a gift to Allen, and has been given the name "Cody."
I'm speechless. Allen has a 2.40 ERA in 60 innings come out of the bullpen for the Tribe this year, and his emergence has been a big part of the team's success. Cleveland could use some mojo from the chicken after losing five in a row last week before winning two out of their last three, heading into Wednesday's rubber match with the Orioles. The Indians are 3.5 games behind the Rays for the AL's second wild card spot, and 7.5 games behind the Tigers for the AL Central lead.
Don't worry, PETA: Pedro Cerrano isn't around to try to sacrifice the bird to bring the good vibes back.
[ESPN]
