Ahead of the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers ALDS Game 2 meeting, local reporters sent out a message that midge season is upon the city. This, to no surprise, prompted a response from the man who was at the center of the most significant midges attack ever: Joba Chamberlain.
For anyone who may not remember or wasn't around when it took place, Chamberlain—then a pitcher for the New York Yankees—was taking the mound in a pivotal postseason game on Oct. 5, 2007. The biggest threat to him had nothing to do with the opposing players with bats in their hands. It was the bugs that were literally attacking him.
Joba Chamberlain famously was attacked by midges in Cleveland while attempting to pitch... and it didn't well for him. (YouTube)
That was the moment midges were put on the map, as he was smothered in the insects while trying to pitch.
So when midges popped back up on our minds ahead of Monday's game, it's no wonder Chamberlain took the opportunity to comment on X, "Shocker. Grab some dryer sheets or vinegar. Hahahaha."
Shocker. Grab some dryer sheets or vinegar. Hahahaha https://t.co/gVvXVCxDTS
— Joba Chamberlain (@Joba_44) October 7, 2024
Dubbed the "Bug Game," Chamberlain attempted to record three outs to set up Mariano Rivera for the save. That was when the swarm came. For those who don't know, midges thrive in humidity and particularly during the time after dusk, which all lined up in perfect harmony to create the memorable midge attack.
A Yankees trainer came out multiple times during the inning to apply bug spray. In reality, that only fueled the midges. That's where Chamberlain's most recent post about vinegar and dryer sheets originates. As odd as they may seem, those two remedies can dismiss midges from swarming.
What ended up happening was that Chamberlain could not control his pitches, tossing wild pitches and eventually blowing a lead, as Cleveland went on to win in extra innings and eventually win the series.
It's good to see that Chamberlain can laugh about the moment more than a decade later and share some valuable insight on combating a midge swarm.
Take notes, Tigers pitchers!
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