Weird things can happen when you make a trip to Coors field. However, the Atlanta Braves never could have guessed their best player and one of the brightest young stars in baseball would have something so bizarre happen to him tonight.
In the bottom of the seventh, just after Ronald Acuña Jr. notched his 60th steal on the season, an unexpected attack happened. Two fans sprinted to right field (the third stopped by security), grabbing and knocking down the MVP front-runner.
Two fans just tried to hug Ronald Acuña Jr in Right Field and nearly tackled him
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 29, 2023
Thankfully He is ok pic.twitter.com/5pX5yJ86Fu
The first to reach Acuña started immediately grabbing and hugging the right fielder, while trying to get some selfies. Security came over, trying to pry him off Ronald, but with a hulk grip, he would not let go. After about 10 seconds, an even more wild Rockies fan came over, jumping and grabbing him, before eventually knocking Ronald down.
While 5-6 security guards eventually got between the three parties, it took all their might to contain the second fan. Absolutely bewildered, he attempted to take on all the guards while screaming at Acuña. The fan was eventually carried off the field, being thrown down, all while kicking everyone in sight. Players rushed over to protect Ronald further, while understandably, Peter Moyland was livid in the booth. Former Braves reporter Kelsey Wingert-Linch summed it up nicely.
Looks like the fan wasn’t letting go of Acuña. The whole Braves team ran out to help. The fan was fighting 5-6 security guards who carried him off SCREAMING trying to escape. What a weird situation - glad RAJ is okay. Stop running on the field & enjoy jail, while you’re at it. https://t.co/ZB2Mbuae1n
— Kelsey Wingert-Linch (@KelsWingert) August 29, 2023
It's unacceptable that two fans were able to reach potentially the league's best player, especially in the largest outfield in the MLB. However, Coors Field staff and the MLB will have to look at this situation very closely to improve player safety.
While there are no updates on the motive of the fans charging the field, there are already some speculating why.
mookie betts hiring hitmen now this is sick
— Max Fried Enthusiast (@atlhoe12345) August 29, 2023
Usually, people who try to make contact with Ronald are just Marlins pitchers.
— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) August 29, 2023
Overall, it was a wild situation that should never have happened. However, Ronald thankfully appears okay, as he stole his 61st base the next inning, along with a three RBI double in the ninth.
.@ronaldacunajr24 is just THAT. GUY. 🙌#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/CF3GSDOqwS
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 29, 2023