Not a joke: Reds-Giants game delayed by a swarm of bees

The start of Monday afternoon’s San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds game was delayed.

And it wasn’t due to weather.

A swarm of bees descended upon the screen behind home plate at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, forcing a delayed start time. Yes, really.

The Reds actually took the field and began warming up for the first inning when the umpires pulled the players off the field and fans seated behind home plate were told to vacate the area. Home plate umpire Chad Whitson told FOX Sports Ohio that bees were buzzing in droves around the home plate area.

While the situation was being assessed, Reds second baseman Derek Dietrich took it upon himself to help out however he could. And that meant a full-on exterminator-style outfit, batting helmet included.

The delay didn’t last too long. Members of the grounds crew took the field to spray some bee repellent and after about 15 minutes, Reds starter Anthony DeSclafani returned to the mound — but only after the stadium’s “bee guy” gave the thumbs up.

Too funny.

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