NEW YORK — A brief delay at Citi Field on Monday night wasn’t caused by rain or lightning, but by a technical quirk involving parabolic microphones flanking the batter’s eye in center field.
The hiccup came after Alec Bohm grounded into a double play in the top of the fifth inning. Umpires huddled in the infield as the large, dish-shaped microphones — reportedly in place for several years, per SNY — were removed before the Phillies’ next at-bat.
Following a 14-minute delay, Mets reliever Jose Castillo began warming up and then delivered an inning-ending ground ball to second base, drawing a cheer from the impatient crowd at Citi Field.
What this meant for the game: equipment clearances and stadium tech can impact pacing, but both teams regrouped and continued play. The incident underscores how even minor technical fixtures can briefly interrupt a baseball night, yet the action on the field quickly resumed.
Additional context and value:
– Parabolic microphones are used to capture ambient stadium sound and on-field mic’d moments. Their removal suggests a push to ensure unobstructed play and players’ sightlines.
– The restart involved a quick warm-up for Castillo and a decisive grounder to end the frame, helping the Mets avoid a prolonged interruption.
Summary: A 14-minute pause during the Mets-Phillies opener at Citi Field was caused by the removal of parabolic microphones near the batter’s eye after a fifth-inning double play, with Jose Castillo ensuring the inning ended cleanly before play resumed.
Hopeful note: Despite the hiccup, the game continued smoothly, and the home crowd remained engaged as baseball actions resumed without further disruption.
Logical take: This incident highlights how stadium equipment and safety considerations can influence game flow, but professional teams are prepared to adapt quickly to keep the focus on the sport.