Ever since that squirrel ran across home plate just as Philadelphia’s Roy Oswalt was delivering a pitch in Game 4 of the NLDS between the Phillies and Cardinals (a game which St. Louis went on to win), people in St. Louis have been going nuts for the Busch Stadium Rally Squirrel. It’s become a symbol of…well, I’m not quite sure what. But people like it, and last night at Game 3 of the NLCS, the St. Louis Cardinals gave every fan in attendance a rally towel with the Rally Squirrel’s likeness.

But this isn’t the first time an animal has intervened, for better or for worse, in a pro sporting event. Hell, it’s not even the first time an animal has become a good luck charm for a team.

Here are 9 instances of critters getting in on the fun at pro sporting events.

12. Anaheim Angels Rally Monkey

As far as I know, the Anaheim California Angels of Los Angeles, or whatever that team is called now, was the first to introduce a rally animal.

Back in 2000, two video board operators for the Angels just thought it would be funny to take a clip of a jumping capuchin monkey from Ace Ventura and put it up on the jumbotron with the words “Rally Monkey!” written above it. After the Angels did indeed rally for a win, the monkey became a star. By the time the 2002 World Series came around, the Angels had hired their own official rally monkey (Katie) to incite rallies live an in person. Said rally monkey became an international superstar when the Angels came back from a 5-0 deficit to win Game 6 of the World Series.

Today, the Angels still use the rally monkey. They produce a series of videos that play on the jumbotron when the Angels are behind late in games. Here’s another:

11. Shea Stadium Black Cat Curses Cubs

The Chicago Cubs had a 9 1/2 game lead over the New York Mets on August 14, 1969. But in 3-game series between the two at Shea Stadium that August, a black cat crossed in front of Cubs legend Ron Santo while he stood in the warmup circle. Obviously, this cursed the Cubs, who went on to lose the division to the mets by 8 games. It was a late-season collapse for the ages, and it was all thanks to a frisky feline.

10. Moth Attack

Just a couple of months ago, on Monday, August 22, 2011, St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday had to leave a game against the Dodgers after a moth flew into and got lodged in his ear. Team trainers tried to coax the little creature out of the ear humanely by shining a flashlight in there. When that didn’t work they just reach in with tweezers and removed it by force. The moth did not survive.

9. The Great Gnat Attack

In the 8th inning of Game 2 of the 2007 ALDS between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians, a swarm of bugs enveloped the field at Cleveland’s Jacobs Field (yes, it was still called “Jacobs Field” then). They were so bad that they distracted rookie phenom Joba Chamberlain, who walked Grady Sizemore who later scored the tying run on a wild pitch. Cleveland eventually won the game in the 11th, and the Yankees cried themselves to sleep.

8. The Cleveland Seagulls

More animal interference from Cleveland! This time, it was the damned seagulls.

Apparently, given Cleveland’s location on Lake Eerie, the seagulls have a habit of flocking into the ballpark after games and scarfing up all the goodies left there by the fans. It happens like clockwork. But when the games run late, the seagulls still show up for their evening snack and have been known to get in the way. Like in 2009, in a game between the Royals and Indians, when one of the hungry birds flew into the path of a bloop single, interfering with centerfielder Coco Crisp’s effort to play the ball. A run scored and the Indians won the game because, unfortunately, there’s no section on “Seagull Interference” in the official MLB rulebook. Bummer.

7. Raiders’ Secret Weapon (Hint: It’s a Pigeon)

I like the idea of a special teams pigeon an all, but I thought pirates were supposed to have parrots for pets. But hey, whatever works, right?

6. Wimbledon Ducks

Wimbledon is classy. There’s a dress code, and they serve snacks like strawberries and cream. (Ooh la la.) So of course, when birds get in the way of the action at the All England Tennis Club, it’s not nasty scavengers like seagulls or pigeons. It’s fancy birds. Like ducks.

On June 29, 2007, play was halted when a mother duck and her little ducklings paraded across the grass court right as they were about to begin playing.

Awwwwwe!

5. The Wrigley Cat

When a ferrel cat got onto the field at Wrigley in 2009, animal rights people went apeshit when a groundskeeper picked the kitty up by its tail to remove it. Luckily, before an angry mob was able to tar and feather the poor guy, Chicago’s WGN News cranked out this (video above) hart-hitting piece of journalism exonerating him.

On a related note, what is it with the Cubs and ferrel cats? (See #11.)

4. Dog Takes Dump on Diamond

You know why minor league baseball is so awesome? Because stuff like this can happen.

In 2010, the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals got themselves a lovable little pooch for a mascot. He’d hang with the team in the dugout for a while, they’d parade him out onto the field for a bit, and then he’d go and get petted by the kiddies up in the stands. Cute as hell, right?

Well, one game, the little rascal manages to get loose, and so of course he runs out onto the field…and takes a dump.

Is that not awesome?

3. Manu Ginobili: Bat Assassin

If the animals rights folks didn’t like the Wrigley guy picking a cat up by its tail (isn’t that what tails are for?), I’m sure they must have fainted when they saw this replay of San Antonia Spurs guard Manu Ginobili smack a bat out of the air with his bare hands.

The bat had interrupted play a couple of times, and I guess Manu had had enough. I like how, after he swats the little flying mammal out of the air, he picks it up himself and runs it off the court.

Also, did you notice how one of his teammates turns away in horror when the bat comes near him? Classic.

2. Seagull Steals Golf Ball

The official rules of golf differentiate between natural and manmade obstructions in the field of play. If the ball lands on a sprinkler head or something, you get to move it. If it lands under a bush, you’re screwed. But what does the rule book say about birds stealing your ball from the green and dropping it in the lake?

1. Randy Johnson’s One-in-a-Billion Bird-Obliterating Pitch

This incident from the 7th inning of a spring training game on March 24, 2001, has to be #1, doesn’t it? It is probably the most incredible thing that has ever happened or will happen on a baseball diamond. In fact, according to my calculations, the chances of anything like this happening at all, let alone again, are 8.43 billion to 1. (I’m not going to bother explaining how I reached this mathematical precise figure. You probably wouldn’t understand.)

After watching his partner, Andrew Castle, field the previous five shots, Bahrami returned the following nine shots in rather spectacular fashion, using some behind-the-back and through-the-legs maneuvers before finally losing the point.  He and Castle would go on to lose the match to Pat Cash and Mark Woodforde, 6-3, 7-5.

As for the real winners, that would be the fans in attendance who got to watch this brilliant rally.

Roger Federer would establish four significant records at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships.  Federer reached his 21st consecutive Grand Slam semi-final and seventh straight Wimbledon final, which were both new records.  By reaching the finals he also has made it to more Grand Slam final matches than any man in history.  Finally, Roger Federer surpassed Pete Sampras by winning his 15th Grand Slam title and thus cementing himself as one of the greatest tennis players of all-time.

During this year’s tournament, Roger Federer was defeated by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarterfinals, making it two consecutive year’s that he has bowed out in the quarterfinals at the All England Club.

Here are highlights from Federer’s seven Wimbledon matches from 2009.

Notable Birthdays

Tim Worrell, MLB – Born July 5th 1967 (age 44) in Pasadena, California

John LeClair, NHL – Born July 5th 1969 (age 42) in St. Albans, Vermont

Chris Gratton, NHL – Born July 5th 1975 (age 36) in Brantford, Ontario

How slow has the sports world been the last few days?  So slow that I am actually writing about Pippa Middleton attending Andy Murray’s quarter-finals match at Wimbledon.

Yes, with the Dog Days of Summer upon us, the hot weather has quickly dried up the sports scene, causing us to report on members of the Royal Family attending tennis matches.  But don’t worry my fellow readers.  With the Tour de France and the British Open right around the corner, we can all count on cycling and golf insert some action back into our lives (insert sarcastic face here).

Here is a look at the sexy sister of the Duchess of Cambridge.  Sure, Andy Murray may already have a “lady friend” of his own, but the man inside me wants to believe that this is the real trophy Murray is playing for at Wimbledon.

Although the two players were shielded from the rain that fell during a severe thunderstorm in London throughout the day, they couldn’t hide themselves from the loud rumbling sound of thunder that echoed throughout the Wimbledon suburb.

Unfortunately for Bartoli, the thunderclap wasn’t enough to take her opponent off her game, as Lisicki rolled to the 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-1 victory.

Hat Tip – [Busted Racquet]

After dropping the opening set 7-5 to her opponent, Flavia Pennetta, the 26-year-old Frenchwoman gestured to her parents to leave the viewing area in Court 14.  Her mother and father – who is also her coach – would respect the request of their daughter and it appeared to work in her favor, as she came back to win the following two sets, 6-4 and 9-7.

Following the victory, Bartoli explained her actions, saying she was exhausted and “needed to get that frustration out.”  She also told reporters that she met with her parents following her match and they understood her decision.

Bartoli has continued her strong run at Wimbledon, winning her fourth round match against Serena Williams earlier today.  She will now take on Sabine Lisicki in the quarter-finals tomorrow.  Whether or not her parents will be allowed to attend the match remains to be seen.

Here is a look at Bartoli banishing her parents from the stands.

Hat Tip – [NBC Sports]

Murray was at it again earlier today during a third round match against Croatia’s Ivan Ljubicic.  Already leading two sets to one, Murray found himself up 4-2 in the fourth set when he executed another cross-court through-the-legs winner against his opponent.  That was enough to get the London crowd revved up for their hometown hero, but it also appeared to spark Ljubicic, who clawed his way back in a tight fourth set, before eventually falling 7-4 in a tiebreaker.

Here is a look at Murray’s second unnecessary tweener in less than two weeks.

Perhaps his reference to blue balls had less to do with his messed up color wheel, and more to do with the feeling he gets after watching Maria Sharapova in action as she unleashes her barrage of sexually-suggestive grunts.

Hat tip – [The Big Lead]

The nice thing about compiling a list like this is that it’s likely to be just as relevant in 20 years as it is now. Good teams of course come and go, but few places can be regarded as true sports Meccas. Once that distinction is earned, it isn’t quick to go. The best part about historic sports venues is that while they are steeped in history and tradition, they also tend to be the most fun places to go catch a game, so it’s not entirely an academic exercise. Fuel the jet, we’re visiting the 10 most iconic sports venues.

10. Wrigley Field

People can fight all day about Wrigley vs. Fenway, but the fact remains that Wrigley is the nicer place to watch a ball game. History and importance aside, the ivy, breezy Chicago summers, and the surrounding apartments all give Wrigley the edge. To baseball fans, a day game at Wrigley is the one constant on all the bucket lists.

9. Cowboys Stadium

Yeah, it’s brand new. Yeah, people hate the Cowboys. But this venue still has two things going for it. The Cowboys, despite many objections, are still America’s team, and the fact remains that the wonder that is Cowboys Stadium won’t be outdone for a very, very long time. That screen is every bit as impressive as it’s made out to be. But you might want to hang tight for a year or two if you want to see, you know, good football.

8. Wimbledon

This one you’re gonna have to really want. It’s across the pond, and it’s tennis. But it’s one of the oldest traditions in all of sports, so throw on some white and kick back with some overpriced strawberries and cream. And please let me know if that platter is really as shiny in person. I have a wager to win.

7. Churchill Downs/Kentucky Derby

Horse racing isn’t much of a sport to behold, but the scene at the Derby is too good to pass up, sports fan or not. Thousands of people dressed for a garden party get together to gamble and drink bourbon. That’s it. That’s the event. The fact that women wear enormous hats is just icing on the cake.

6. The Masters at Augusta

A tradition unlike any other, indeed. That’s not necessarily a good thing, as the folks at Augusta exhibit some less-than-savory practices sometimes, but you’ve gotta like any place that still serves chicken sandwiches for $2.50 and beer for a cool two bucks. Never mind the savings, Augusta is among the most storied courses in the world, probably tied with St. Andrews. While St. Andrews might be the birthplace of golf, it doesn’t have anything on the atmosphere and beauty of this Georgia course. And while this may be more of an event than a venue, unless you’re a member of Augusta (and you’re not), this is the only time you get to see the course.

5. Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Any venue that seats 250,000 people would make this list by default, but the Indy 500 doesn’t just skate by on sheer size. This is an event in the truest sense of the word, including carb day, pole laps, and of course, the main event, rare is the event you can make a whole weekend out of. And here’s a word of advice: get a camper and get in the infield. Life will be a lot easier.

4. Lambeau Field

The yen to the yang of Cowboys Stadium. Lambeau is cold, old, and many sports fans wouldn’t have it any other way. From the Lambeau leap to the nearby families that have been allowing the same people to park at their houses for generations, this is a place that celebrates tradition. It may not have a Jumbotron the size of Rhode Island, but the history and reverence is palpable.

3. Cameron Indoor Stadium

No other college basketball environment comes close, regardless of how you feel about Duke. It’s small, loud, and the fans are passionate, to say the least. Add to the mix the fact that Duke is a perennial powerhouse, and this is a pretty short debate. That the students camp out for weeks to secure season tickets is a testament to how great this venue is.

2. Madison Square Garden

It might not be the nicest stadium in America (Spoiler alert: It’s not.), but one can’t deny the history of the building. Few venues are situated so squarely in the middle of, well everything. Walking up to that venue for a Rangers or Knicks game, it’s hard to forget that you’re in one of the biggest cities in the world. And for New York sports fans, this is Westminster Abbey.

1. Rose Bowl

Before bowl games had words like “Tostitos” in their title, there existed an aura of tradition, and few deliver tradition these days better than the Rose Bowl. It’s in a big city, there’s not a bad seat in the house, and the Pac-10/Big 10 matchup has more history than any other bowl game. Start with the parade (you’ll need to get there that early to park anyway) and enjoy your day.

This kind of reminds me of the epic three-day, five-set, 11-hour match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at this year’s Wimbledon tournament:  Two individuals battling back and forth with no end in sight.  Obviously their marathon battle, which will likely remain in the tennis record books for quite some time, was a little more entertaining.

Isner would go on to beat Mahut (6-4, 3-6, 6-7 [7-9], 7-6 [7-3], 70-68), but was knocked out in a second round match with Thiemo De Bakker that did not last nearly as long.