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Fan Falls into Bullpen, Hospitalized During Royals-White Sox Game

5/14/2026

35 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Fan Falls

A fan fell into the visiting bullpen at Rate Field during the Royals–White Sox game, causing a brief fourth-inning delay.
Workers placed the fan on a stretcher, took him to a local hospital, and informed umpire crew chief Chris Conroy, who called both managers.
Nick Mears said pitchers moved to the opposite bullpen side to give responders space.
Vinnie Pasquantino said he was unsure about continuing the game and voiced concern for the fan.

Summary

White Sox Delay

The Chicago White Sox delayed the fourth inning to treat a fan who fell into the visiting bullpen and sent him to a hospital.
The fall happened one year after Pittsburgh Pirates fan Kavan Markwood fell more than 20 feet at PNC Park, breaking his neck.
Royals reliever Nick Mears said a bullpen security guard reported the fan was in much better condition at the hospital.

Summary

White Sox Level

The White Sox entered the series finale with a 21-21 record, returning to .500 for the first time since March 2025.
The final game starts at 6:40 p.m. CT in Chicago, pitting Royals left-hander Kris Bubic against White Sox southpaw Anthony Kay.
After two 6-5 losses, Kansas City will try to avoid a sweep.
Managers confirmed the delay will not disrupt the day-night schedule, allowing the series to conclude as planned in Chicago.

History

Historical Context

After Oracle Park moved its bullpens from the foul lines to center-field in the 2019 offseason to curb player injuries, the venue still saw a fan tumble into the bullpen on June 30 2015—recorded as the season’s 12th intrusion. A similar spectator breach in 2024 involving the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals reinforced MLB’s push for stronger barrier standards.

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Fan Falls

A fan fell into the visiting bullpen at Rate Field during the Royals–White Sox game, causing a brief fourth-inning delay.
Workers placed the fan on a stretcher, took him to a local hospital, and informed umpire crew chief Chris Conroy, who called both managers.
Nick Mears said pitchers moved to the opposite bullpen side to give responders space.
Vinnie Pasquantino said he was unsure about continuing the game and voiced concern for the fan.

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