“Bugging the Batter”: How Midges Have Become Part of the Game in Cleveland

CLEVELAND — When baseball fans think of the most disruptive forces in the game, they probably picture a dominant pitcher or a rain delay—maybe even a rogue beach ball on the field at Dodger Stadium. But in Cleveland, one of the most notorious game-changers isn’t on the roster or in the sky. It’s barely the size of a sesame seed and travels in swarms: the midge.

Yes, midges—those tiny, gnat-like insects native to areas near water—have become a strangely consistent nuisance at Progressive Field, especially during late spring and summer months. And for visiting teams, especially those unfamiliar with the phenomenon, the arrival of a midge cloud can throw off everything from concentration to mechanics.

What Exactly Are Midges?

Midges are small flying insects that thrive near bodies of water. Cleveland’s proximity to Lake Erie makes it a prime breeding ground for these bugs, particularly a variety known as chironomid midges. Unlike mosquitoes, midges don’t bite, but they hatch in enormous swarms and are drawn to light and body heat—making a ballplayer standing under stadium lights an irresistible target.

They’re typically most active during warm, humid evenings with little wind—unfortunately, a perfect description of many summer nights in Cleveland.

The Most Infamous Midge Attack in Baseball History

The most well-known midge incident in baseball came during Game 2 of the 2007 American League Division Series between the Cleveland Indians and the New York Yankees. Joba Chamberlain, then a rookie phenom with an electric fastball and a microscopic ERA, was called upon in the eighth inning to protect a 1-0 lead at Progressive Field. That’s when the midges descended.

The swarm was so thick that cameras caught Chamberlain visibly flustered, wiping his face repeatedly, blinking furiously, and trying in vain to keep the bugs away. Despite repeated visits to the mound by Joe Torre and the training staff, the Yankees opted not to delay the game. Chamberlain struggled with his command, threw two wild pitches, and ultimately surrendered the tying run. Cleveland went on to win the game in extra innings and took the series in four games.

The “Midge Game” became instant baseball folklore. It’s still referenced regularly during playoff broadcasts and remains a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of outdoor baseball in Cleveland.

Midges as a Home Field Advantage?

While the Yankees were undone by the midges in 2007, Cleveland players seemed largely unaffected. That’s not unusual. For players who are used to the conditions—or at least mentally prepared for them—the bugs are just another aspect of the game. There’s a reason Cleveland fans and local broadcasters often jokingly refer to the swarms as “our 10th man.”

In a sport where so much depends on focus and routine, the arrival of midges can feel like a psychological ambush for visitors. Pitchers suddenly can’t grip the ball the same way. Batters are distracted in the box. Fielders look like they’re swatting at invisible enemies between pitches.

It’s not just the 2007 Yankees—numerous teams, including the Red Sox, Royals, and White Sox, have all fallen victim to unplanned encounters with the bugs during important games.

Are the Dodgers at Risk?

While the Dodgers and Guardians don’t face off often, interleague play (and potential future postseason matchups) means L.A. isn’t immune to a buggy encounter. In fact, any summer visit to Cleveland carries the risk of running into a midge swarm—particularly in May and June, when the insects hatch in especially large numbers.

To date, the Dodgers haven’t had any headline-making run-ins with the bugs. But as we saw on Monday, a poorly timed trip to Progressive Field could change that in an instant. Pitchers who rely on intricate grips and high-spin breaking pitches could be especially vulnerable if they were forced to deal with sweaty hands, disrupted timing, or mid-pitch distractions.

Can Anything Be Done?

There’s not much Major League Baseball can do about midges. Stadium crews in Cleveland have tried various methods to mitigate the problem, including bug zappers, repellents, and pre-game fogging, but nothing has proven fully effective. Nature, after all, is not bound by pitch clocks or TV schedules.

For players, preparation is key. Some use insect repellent. Others wear long sleeves or apply eye drops. And for visiting teams, having a strong mental game may be just as important as any on-field adjustment.

Final Thoughts: Baseball’s Weirdest X-Factor

Baseball is a game defined by tradition and statistics, but it also thrives on the weird, the wild, and the unpredictable. Midges are a perfect example. They’re not part of the scouting report, and you won’t find them on the injury list, but for those who’ve played in Cleveland, they’re unforgettable.

So keep an eye on the scoreboard—and the outfield lights. If a cloud of bugs begins to swirl, remember: it’s not a glitch in the broadcast. It’s just another day in Cleveland baseball.

And hopefully, the only thing biting that night will be the bats in blue.

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