Seventeen year Cicada Brood II has been swarming the Virginia suburbs southwest of DC, leading some to wonder whether Nationals Park would soon be affected.
The answer arrived during the first game of Sunday’s day/night doubleheader in the form of the largest cicada spotting of the season: the six foot variety.
In the fourth inning of game one, Teddy Roosevelt emerged last from the presidents race starting gate, but quickly grabbed the lead and appeared to be on the way to his second straight victory.
But lurking in the stands was the very adult-size cicada, who jumped into the Rough Rider’s path and tackled him to the ground, following it up with a vicious body slam as George crossed the finish line.
When the presidents returned Sunday evening for the second game of the doubleheader, Teddy was prepared, racing from the start with a giant flyswatter. Teddy’s new nemesis appeared as suspected, but was not intimidated. The cicada met him in the outfield, grabbed the flyswatter, and beat Teddy to the ground. Abe Lincoln took the win.
Video of the first race below, plus a slo-mo version of Teddy’s takedown.
Videos courtesy of YouTube member lfahome
LET TEDDY WIN 