Topps, the American trading cards manufacturer, has decided to cement bee specialist Matt Hilton's heroics from Tuesday night with a baseball card, the company announced on Wednesday.
It's safe to say when Hilton, branch manager for Blue Sky Pest Control's Phoenix office, was at his son's T-ball game on Tuesday he had no idea how the next 24 hours would unfold.
Hilton had to get into his car and leave his son's final game of the season after receiving a phone call about a bee swarm behind home plate at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
When he got to the stadium following a 45-minute drive, antsy fans who came to watch the D-backs take on the Los Angeles Dodgers had already been waiting over an hour.
Which is why the crowd started buzzing when Hilton began pumping them up as he was carted toward the bee swarm. By the time he was atop a scissor lift, hovering above the Arizona faithful, fans were practically in a trance watching Hilton dispatch the swarm.
The delay ended up lasting just under two hours after players were given an opportunity to warm up, and Hilton was given a couple more cheers for good measure as he got down and walked off the field.
Cheers didn't feel like enough of a thank you for "bee guy," as the internet had dubbed Hilton. So, the Diamondbacks decided to take it a step further and let Hilton throw out the ceremonial first pitch. And of course, he did it while wearing his beekeeper suit.
Topps is now in on the fun with a "Matt Hilton, Bee Specialist," trading card, even offering autographed versions for a select few who purchase the base edition.
Viral fame on social media felt like it was going to be the end of it, but nearly 24 hours later and Hilton's act is now a collectible that can be cherished forever.
“I thought I was just going to do my thing and cruise out, but it was fun because of the thousands of people cheering for you,” Hilton said after his first pitch. “It was a little nerve-racking, I’m not going to lie — a lot of pressure to get this game going.
“Minor leagues to the big leagues now.”
