Yankees Pitcher Calls Security to Remove Spider from Locker

Cam Schlittler dealt with an unwanted arachnid visitor before a spring training game.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:23pm

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New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler called security to remove a spider from his locker before a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers. Schlittler, a 25-year-old Massachusetts native, did not pitch in the game as the Yankees fell 12-1 to the Tigers.

Why it matters

Arachnophobia, or the fear of spiders, is one of the most common anxiety disorders, affecting between 2.7-6.1% of people. Schlittler's actions highlight how even professional athletes can be impacted by this common phobia.

The details

Schlittler, who pitched in 14 games for the Yankees in 2025 with a 2.96 ERA and 84 strikeouts, took to social media to share the incident, writing "A spider was successfully extracted from my locker today. Best security team in the league!" The young pitcher has started two games in spring training this year, posting a 1.50 ERA and 10 strikeouts.

  • On Sunday, Schlittler called security to remove the spider from his locker before the Yankees' spring training game against the Detroit Tigers.

The players

Cam Schlittler

A 25-year-old pitcher for the New York Yankees who pitched in 14 games for the team in 2025 with a 2.96 ERA and 84 strikeouts.

New York Yankees

The professional baseball team based in the Bronx, New York that plays in the American League East division of Major League Baseball.

Detroit Tigers

The professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan that plays in the American League Central division of Major League Baseball.

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What they’re saying

“A spider was successfully extracted from my locker today. Best security team in the league!”

— Cam Schlittler (X)

The takeaway

This incident highlights how even professional athletes can be impacted by common phobias like arachnophobia, and the lengths they may go to in order to address their fears, even calling in team security to remove a spider from their locker.