Sometimes, nature calls at inopportune times.
Just ask the Clearwater Threshers’ new bat dog.
The Single-A affiliate of the Phillies debuted a new team pooch, Lucy May, after the third inning of their game against the Dunedin Blue Jays.
Lucy May for sure left her mark at BayCare ballpark, quite literally — by defecating on the infield.
The team, using the alternate identity “Beach Dogs” on Friday night, officially changed bat pups, with veteran Layla giving the duties to Lucy May.
Lucy May was let loose to retrieve the bat left near the left-hander’s batters’ box, but had almost no interest in going for the lumber, and instead ran toward the first-base coach’s box before going down into the visitors’ dugout.
She was eventually coaxed out of the Blue Jays’ bench with a bat, but again, had next to no interest in it, zooming past the wood and taking a lap around the infield grass.
And then, standing on the right side of the infield, Lucy May went to do her business, much to the delight — and shock — of the 2,682 in attendance.
She was eventually corralled by the Clearwater staff and given one last chance at grabbing the bat — but to no avail.
Lucy May wanted to say high to relief pitcher Jonh Henriquez, who seemed almost unfazed by the hilarity of it all.
“Lucy May’s debut was more entertaining than we ever could have imagined,” the team wrote on X along with crying and poop emojis.
Fans on X seemed to enjoy the video as it went viral on social media.
“She got the excited poops! Completely understandable,” wrote one. “Try to fire her and I will file a wrongful termination lawsuit on her behalf.”
Rest assured, the Threshers aren’t getting rid of Lucy May any time soon.
“We would never! Happens to the best of us,” they wrote in a reply.
Lucy May didn’t bring the Threshers any luck, however, as they lost 6-0.