A frightening incident in Tampa Bay has shaken the baseball world. During a game against the Baltimore Orioles on June 19th, 2025, Tampa Bay Rays reliever Hunter bigge was struck in the face by a 105 mph foul ball while he was sitting in the dugout. The Hunter bigge injury moment has raised serious concerns about player safety in Major League Baseball’s dugouts.
The game was delayed for about eight minutes before resuming because of Hunter bigge injury. Baltimore won against Tampa Bay 4-1, but the primary concern was Bigge’s well-being.
The Scary Moment
The incident occurred in the seventh inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman hit a foul ball off Rays pitcher Connor Seabold, which zipped toward the Rays’ dugout.
- Hunter bigge is currently on the 15-day injured list due to a strained muscle in his side. He was sitting close to the dugout railing.
- The ball struck him directly in the face, causing him to collapse immediately.
- The game was halted for eight minutes as medical personnel rushed to his aid.
- The scene visibly shook players from both teams.
Rays’ head athletic trainer Joe Benj called for emergency help after bigge was injured. He was stabilised, put on a stretcher with his head and neck secured, and taken off the field.
bigge’s Thumbs Up to the Crowd
As Hunter bigge was being taken off the field, he raised his thumbs in encouragement to the audience, who responded with a standing ovation. He was then taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and is currently receiving medical care.
Hunter bigge injury updates
After the game, Rays manager Kevin Cash shared some news, stating that Hunter bigge was alert, having conversations with the doctor, and undergoing some tests.
- According to Ryan Bass, Hunter bigge was hit on the side of his face but never lost consciousness. He was aware and could see with both eyes.
- Teammate Drew Rasmussen shared some positive news, mentioning that Hunter bigge was already cracking jokes while in the hospital. This demonstrates just how strong and resilient he is, even in the most challenging times.
Although these updates bring some optimism, we still don’t know the complete details of his injuries, as we are waiting for the results of more tests.
Support for Hunter bigge injury
The Rays’ clubhouse was quite sad after the game, with teammates commending Big’s character. Rasmussen described him as an incredible human for staying positive despite his injury. The team’s unity shone through as players knelt on the field during the delay, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment.
Fans on social media also shared their support, expressing relief when they saw Big giving a thumbs up and sending prayers for his recovery. The Orioles team, including Rutschman, looked visibly affected by the incident, with the situation casting a shadow over the game.
The Risks Involved
This incident highlights the risks of baseball, even for players in the dugout. It brings to mind a similar event from two years ago when former Milwaukee Brewers player Willie Adams got hit in the head by a foul ball while sitting in the dugout. Fortunately, he didn’t suffer any significant injuries, but he still had to sit out for two weeks.
The baseball community is coming together to wish Hunter bigge a quick and complete recovery. We all look forward to seeing him back on the field soon.