Baseball, despite its reputation as a non-contact sport, has seen its fair share of interesting and bizarre injuries over the years. The MLB is replete with stories of players who have suffered injuries in the most unexpected ways, both on and off the field. These incidents often serve as reminders of the unpredictability of the sport and the human body.

One of the most famous injuries in MLB history occurred in 1994 when then-Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Sparks dislocated his shoulder attempting to tear a phone book in half. Sparks, known for his strength and quirky personality, was performing the feat as part of a motivational technique used by his team. Unfortunately, the stunt backfired, and he missed significant playing time.

Another peculiar injury happened to Glenallen Hill of the Toronto Blue Jays in 1990. Hill, who suffers from arachnophobia, reportedly had a nightmare about spiders, leading to him falling out of bed and crashing into a glass table. The resulting cuts and bruises forced him onto the disabled list, making it one of the most unusual injuries in baseball history.

Pitchers, in particular, seem to be prone to strange injuries. In 2006, Joel Zumaya of the Detroit Tigers missed part of the American League Championship Series due to inflammation in his wrist and forearm caused by excessive playing of the video game “Guitar Hero.” The repetitive motion of strumming the game’s controller led to a condition akin to carpal tunnel syndrome, sidelining him during a critical point in the season.

In 2015, New York Mets pitcher Steven Matz experienced a less dramatic but equally odd injury. He was scratched from a start due to a bout of back discomfort caused by sleeping awkwardly on a sofa. Despite its simplicity, this incident highlighted how even mundane activities can lead to significant time off the field for professional athletes.

These interesting injuries add a layer of unpredictability to the MLB, illustrating that players must remain vigilant both on and off the field. While some injuries are the result of the physical demands of the sport, others stem from everyday activities or accidents, reminding us of the fragility of even the most finely tuned athletes. These stories contribute to the colorful history of baseball, making it clear that in the MLB, anything can happen.