A Pittsburgh Pirates spring training guest was in the outfield catching balls during batting practice, known as “shagging,” and suffered a cardiac event, having to receive CPR.
Jason Mackey, a Pirates beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reported that an individual collapsed in the outfield at the team’s spring training complex in Bradenton, Florida.
Serious, scary situation here at Pirate City. Camp stopped after someone collapsed in the outfield. Do not believe it was a player. Everyone obviously shaken. Details scarce. Ambulance en route. pic.twitter.com/BfU0hNvJ9v
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) February 21, 2023
Entire organization has gathered on the lip of the infield, as the ambulance arrives on the other side of the outfield. pic.twitter.com/AczWpbtiXA
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) February 21, 2023
Mackey reported the incident happened at around 11:10 a.m. Feb. 21 while Pittsburgh was taking batting practice. Then, an “older man” — who hasn’t yet been identified — collapsed, with both team workouts and music stopping immediately and personnel rushing to his assistance, including Pirates medical director Dr. Patrick DeMeo and director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk.
Dr. DeMeo performed CPR until first responders arrived at the scene, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. When the man was placed on a stretcher and put into the ambulance, fans in attendance applauded for his well-being. (RELATED: What A Joke: Washington Infielder Will Simpson Was Ejected From A Game For No Reason Whatsoever)
The Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed that the man was a guest of the team.
From Pirates: “This morning a guest of the Pirates shagging balls on field one at Pirates City had a medical event that required immediate attention. He was attended to by Pirates medical personnel, is alert and responsive, and being transported to a hospital for evaluation.”
— RobBiertempfel (@RobBiertempfel) February 21, 2023
The Pirates‘ first spring training game is Feb. 25 against the Toronto Blue Jays.