Gwinnett Stripers Delayed by Bee Swarm, Fall to Memphis

Stripers took the lead twice but couldn't hold on against Redbirds

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:30am

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game with players, dugouts, and a swarm of bees, all rendered in a cubist style that captures the disruption and unpredictability of the event.A cubist interpretation of a minor league baseball game disrupted by an unexpected swarm of bees, capturing the chaos and unpredictability of the situation.Memphis Today

The Gwinnett Stripers' game against the Memphis Redbirds was delayed for 53 minutes on Sunday due to a swarm of bees in the Stripers' dugout. Despite taking the lead twice, the Stripers ultimately fell to the Redbirds.

Why it matters

Delays caused by unexpected events like bee swarms can significantly impact the outcome of minor league baseball games, which often have tight schedules and limited roster flexibility. This incident highlights the challenges teams face in dealing with unpredictable situations that disrupt gameplay.

The details

The Stripers and Redbirds were playing at AutoZone Park in Memphis when a swarm of bees took up residence in the Stripers' dugout. The game was delayed for 53 minutes while officials worked to remove the bees and ensure the area was safe for players to return.

  • The game was delayed for 53 minutes on Sunday, April 20, 2026.

The players

Gwinnett Stripers

The minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, playing in the Triple-A East league.

Memphis Redbirds

The minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, playing in the Triple-A East league.

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The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where even the smallest disruptions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. It also highlights the resilience and adaptability required of minor league teams and players to overcome unexpected challenges.