Beekeeper-turned-folk hero Matt Hilton saved the Dodgers-Diamondbacks game from a swarm of bees, gaining recognition and a Topps baseball card.
Hilton received a call while attending his son’s tee-ball game and rushed to Chase Field, 23 miles away, where the game was delayed due to the swarm.
Hilton removed the bees, earning the opportunity to throw the ceremonial first pitch.
Topps, the trading card giant, decided to commemorate Hilton’s heroic performance by creating a special edition Matt Hilton Topps Now Card featuring a photo of Hilton with the caption “Bee Afraid, Bee Very Afraid: Bees Swarm In Arizona.”
Topps is making autographed baseball cards featuring the bee keeper from the Dodgers-Diamondbacks game in Arizona
(via @Topps) pic.twitter.com/9ID4coQbtK
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 1, 2024
The card, numbered 145, captures the moment of Hilton triumphantly removing the bees while clad in his beekeeping suit, arms victoriously lifted.
It went on sale for just 24 hours at the price of $8.99 with the chance of receiving a signed or specialty card with each purchase.
Imagine having your own baseball card after saving a game from a bee invasion.
Fans who purchased Hilton’s card also had a chance to receive a randomly selected autograph or specialty card.
It’s not every day that a beekeeper becomes a baseball star, but Hilton’s legend continues to grow, both on and off the field.
Baseball fans or those who appreciate unique moments in sports history might want to grab one of those limited-edition cards featuring the beekeeping hero himself.
The incident caused a two-hour delay, and Hilton’s actions were appreciated by fans.
The Hilton card is part of the 2024 Topps Now Baseball collection and comes in various editions, including a one-of-a-kind gold version.
This unique experience has been immortalized by Topps, allowing fans to celebrate Hilton’s heroics.
Fans reacted as follows:
Matt Hilton for President
— FAX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFAX) May 1, 2024
lmao that’s awesome
— omsportsburner (@omsportsburner) May 1, 2024
That’s awesome
— EdgeSports (@EdgeSportsApp) May 1, 2024
Let me guess, it’s gonna be a redemption card.
— Benjamin Walton (@walton85) May 1, 2024
He called it https://t.co/vurO8NjNtU
— Zack (@AdmrlZackbar) May 1, 2024
Pretty cool glad this guy got his moment in the spotlight lol save the bees
— Buzzy (@buzzybd) May 1, 2024
Spend $8 for a worthless piece of paper, I'll pass.
— Nathan (@GameOfCrone) May 1, 2024
This is actually pretty cool
— The Great Cornholio (@KCsportsguru) May 1, 2024
I'm a sucker. pic.twitter.com/HmZsHXhn44
— Maticus (@Maticus06) May 1, 2024
Bee-utiful 🐝 🍯
— Christopher Darren 🐕 (@TheKingTrout) May 1, 2024
Sweet as honey🍯
— timtam (@ohwhatanight_63) May 2, 2024
Cuz they know people buy anything 💀
— Rob (@Reyes22R) May 1, 2024
