Randy Johnson infamously killed a bird during a spring training game in 2001.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers aspire to be like Randy Johnson.
Zac Gallen unintentionally got real close in emulating the Hall of Famer.
While warming up in the outfield before Arizona’s game at Oakland on Wednesday, Gallen threw a curveball that hit a bird in midflight, killing the animal.
“I don’t really know what happened, honestly,” Gallen said. “I just know that the ball changed directions really. I saw what happened. It’s kind of a freak accident. It’s unfortunate.”
The throw was captured by cameras for Diamondbacks’ broadcaster Bally Sports Arizona.
Johnson infamously killed a bird during a spring training game in 2001. While throwing a pitch against the San Francisco Giants, a bird crossed in front of home plate and was destroyed by the baseball.
Gallen was only 5 when that happened.
“I don’t remember it as a kid,” he said. “But I’ve seen the clip many times.”
Gallen’s incident happened one day before the anniversary of Johnson pitching a perfect game for Arizona against the Atlanta Braves in 2004.
Looking for the latest Arizona news? Sign up for our FREE daily newsletter.
Politics
Trump says he’s pro-worker. His record says otherwise.
During his time on the campaign trail, Donald Trump has sought to refashion his record and image as being a pro-worker candidate—one that wants to...
VIDEO: Hundreds show up in Scottsdale to support reproductive rights
@coppercourier Days after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled to enforce a long-dormant law that bans nearly all abortions, hundreds took part in a...
Local News
US court rejects a request by tribes to block $10B energy transmission project in Arizona
In Arizona, work was halted briefly in November amid pleas by tribes to review environmental approvals for the San Pedro Valley. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M....
What to know about Trump’s legal issues
Over the past year, former president Donald Trump has become the center of not one, not two, not three, but four criminal investigations, at both...