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WATCH: Beer can descends into Tigers bullpen during Tuesday’s home opener

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Thomas Hall
1 year ago
The newly raised bullpens at the Rogers Centre have enhanced the viewing experience for Toronto Blue Jays fans, although they have also created a hostile environment for visiting pitchers.
With fans positioned above and beside the visitors bullpen, they can now heckle and chirp opposing relievers like never before. And, as most expected, it didn’t take long before the first incident transpired.
A beer can landed in the Detroit Tigers’ bullpen between the seventh and eighth innings of Toronto’s 9-3 victory during Tuesday’s home opener. Thankfully, it fell to the ground without striking anyone as Tigers relievers sat along the edge of the bullpen.
It is unknown if the beverage was tossed intentionally or dropped accidentally. Either way, security and police officers jumped in quickly to investigate the situation.
Hoping to avoid further incidents, security appeared to be increased around the visitors bullpen during Wednesday’s contest, which could continue for the remainder of the club’s home games.
Interactions between fans and players will undoubtedly continue, though, especially when AL East Division rivals visit Toronto later this season. That is when the intensity will likely ratchet up a few extra levels.
“The interaction with the fans is going to be really interesting to follow as the summer gets warmer and rivals come in,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I can imagine there are going to be quite a few interactions between the opposing teams and the patrons that come to the game. Heads up on that one…
“Our players had fun with the fans,” he added later. “But they’re pretty close.”
The Blue Jays will conclude their three-game series versus the Tigers on Thursday before welcoming the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays this weekend – where security will attempt to ensure no one crosses the line amongst the outfield seating.

ARTICLE PRESENTED BY BETANO

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