A Reds player tragically struck a pigeon with a line drive during batting practice

Between fly balls and home runs soaring into the stands, an MLB ballpark can be dangerous for fans if they aren’t careful.

But it isn’t just spectators who need to keep their heads on a swivel — the wildlife needs to as well. And ahead of the Cincinnati Reds‘ road game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Monday afternoon, a pigeon tragically learned that lesson the hard way.

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According to Cincinnati sports reporter Charlie Goldsmith, a Reds player (who has not been identified) accidentally struck a pigeon with a line drive during batting practice. After initially reporting that the pigeon was killed instantly, Goldsmith corrected the record to say that the pigeon was still alive but had been placed on life support.

While unfortunate, it’s also not the first time something like this has happened during an MLB game or warmups. In addition to the viral clip of Randy Johnson striking a bird with a fastball in 2001, Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen accidentally killed a bird mid-flight during pregame warmups in 2023.

Rest in peace, little fella.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Reds player hits pigeon with batting practice line drive before game