Fact Check: "Two MLB players fell ill during games due to extreme heat."
What We Know
During a recent heatwave in the United States, two Major League Baseball (MLB) players, Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz and Seattle Mariners reliever Trent Thornton, experienced health issues attributed to extreme heat conditions. On June 21, 2025, the temperature at Busch Stadium in St. Louis was recorded at 92 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius) when De La Cruz vomited on the field during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite this incident, he continued to play and later hit a home run in the same game (CNN).
In a separate game at Wrigley Field, where temperatures reached 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius), Thornton suffered from heat exhaustion and required assistance from medical staff after pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Mariners manager Dan Wilson described the situation as "a scary moment," but noted that Thornton was feeling better after receiving treatment (AP News, CNN).
Analysis
The reports from multiple reputable sources confirm that both players fell ill due to extreme heat conditions during their respective games. The incidents were not isolated; they occurred during a broader context of dangerously high temperatures affecting several MLB games across the country. For instance, the same day, home plate umpire Chad Whitson also left a game due to heat-related issues, further emphasizing the severity of the conditions (CNN, USA TODAY).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include established news organizations such as CNN and the Associated Press, which are known for their journalistic standards. These reports provide consistent details about the events, corroborating each otherβs accounts regarding the players' experiences and the environmental conditions. Additionally, the coverage from various outlets, including PennLive and The Guardian, adds to the credibility of the claims by providing a broader context of the heatwave's impact on sports events.
Conclusion
The claim that "two MLB players fell ill during games due to extreme heat" is True. Both Elly De La Cruz and Trent Thornton experienced significant health issues related to the extreme heat during their games, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources. The incidents highlight the serious implications of playing in such conditions, which were acknowledged by both players and their teams.
Sources
- Sports play through another dangerously hot day in parts of the US
- Elly De La Cruz vomits, Trent Thornton has to be helped from ... - CNN
- Extreme heat causes several major leaguers to fall ill while playing ...
- Speakout Advanced p 72. Concession Clauses. Extra Grammar
- MLB Star Experiences Medical Emergency On Field - Total Pro Sports
- Players and umpire fall ill during MLB games as heatwave ...
- MLB players, umpire overcome by extreme heat, humidity - USA TODAY
- Heat Impacts MLB Players During Games - VIASPORT