MCFRS

Firefighter Sprays Hose on Baseball Field in Response to Ball Hitting Truck, Game Cancelled

By MCS Staff
Courtesy MCFRS

Thursday night’s game between the Silver Spring-Takoma Park Thunderbolts and the Metro SoCo Braves at Montgomery Blair Baseball Stadium was canceled after the field was sprayed with water from a fire hose. The stadium, located adjacent to Silver Spring Fire Station 16, was left unplayable due to the incident.

The Thunderbolts are a collegiate summer baseball team and a member of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League (CRCBL).

According to a report by FOX 5, the situation began when a baseball struck a firefighter’s personal vehicle. In response, the firefighter allegedly used a hose to spray water onto the field. The Thunderbolts initially announced a delay on social media, stating:

“Tonight’s contest will be delayed until 8 p.m. and will be seven innings due to incident that happened pregame. Gallons of water were sprayed over the fence from the fire department after a ball hit a pickup truck parked by the station. That water has created a pond in center.”

The game was ultimately canceled due to field conditions. Montgomery County released the following statement in response:

“Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is aware of an incident involving water discharge near a local baseball facility on Thursday evening that resulted in cancellation of a scheduled game. At this time, we are gathering information and coordinating with the Maryland-National Capital Park Police to review the circumstances.

The fire station and ballfield have coexisted as neighbors for years. We understand the importance of this venue to the community and take all concerns seriously. Our primary focus is ensuring public safety and maintaining open lines of communication as we work to determine what occurred.

In the meantime, we apologize to the players, teams involved, the Cal Ripken League, and fans for any inconvenience that may have resulted.”

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.