Shell games: Turtle makes mad dash across outfield

It’s typically the hare that comes up short against the tortoise in fables, but on Saturday night, neither the St. Lucie Mets nor the Bradenton Marauders stood a chance against a turtle.

In the top of the second inning at LECOM Park, the Single-A St. Lucie (Mets) were at-bat with a 2-0 lead over Bradenton (Pirates) when the game was halted. After initially being misidentified by the broadcasters as either a squirrel or a rodent, it was determined that it was in fact a visiting turtle that had ambled onto the outfield grass to get a better view of the action.

• Subscribe to Ben’s Biz Beat Newsletter

At first, the trio of Bradenton outfielders attempted to chase the turtle off the field. The turtle responded with a surprising show of 80-grade speed before changing tactics and finding a comfortable spot to settle into. The Marauders, realizing they had the numbers advantage, politely encouraged the turtle to move toward the bullpen while also keeping their distance. Left-handed reliever Magdiel Cotto eventually took matters into his own hands -- literally. He grabbed the reptile and hoisted it above his head before gently ushering it through the bullpen door.

The game went on without further delay with an additional arm -- or four -- in the Bradenton bullpen. But with the Florida State League season in full swing, it would be unwise for the Marauders to fully embrace their new teammate. The Daytona Tortugas, after all, are ahead in the standings and may have found a new scout.