Athletics second baseman Jeff McNeil accidentally kicked a San Diego Padres fan in the face while chasing a foul ball into the stands during Saturday's MLB game at Petco Park.
It happened in the bottom of the second inning with the bases loaded and two outs as the Padres were looking to extend an early 1-0 lead. On the 3-1 pitch, Padres batter Gavin Sheets hit a high popup into foul territory down the right field line. McNeil called off A's first baseman Nick Kurtz and chased the ball towards the stands. As McNeil tried to catch it, he crashed into the waist-high wall.
Not only did McNeil fail to catch the ball, but the momentum flipped him upside-down, and as his legs flew into the air, his left cleat caught an elderly Padres fan in the side of the face.
Fan gets cleated in the face after Jeff McNeil went for a foul ball pic.twitter.com/rAbl3k4hqW
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 24, 2026
Padres stadium personnel immediately came over to check on the fan, as did McNeil, who was apologetic about the incident. The fan indicated that he was OK. McNeil's cleat left the fan with a bruise on the left side of his face and a small cut on the side of his nose, but he is fortunate that the injuries were not more serious.
Fans in the front few rows of sporting events know to watch out for the players and stray balls heading their way. In this case, it seems like the fan did everything he could to avoid contact but it still managed to find him. We are glad he is OK.
The A's were able to get out of the inning without any more damage as Sheets flew out to left on the very next pitch. However, the Athletics were kept off the scoreboard for the entire game and the Padres came away with the 2-0 victory, so although a bit bruised, we imagine the elderly fan went home happy.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
