Timber! Oak Tree Falls During Little League Game; Scares Spectators But No Injuries

What was an exciting championship Little League  game turned into a serious scare for parents and spectators after a large oak tree fell beyond the outfield fence at Memorial Park in San Ramon on Saturday afternoon, according to people at the game.

Many children were playing near the oak tree during the Canyon Creek Little League majors championship game between the Dodgers and Nationals. The tree was a popular hangout for youngsters during Little League games, with the tree featuring a rope swing.

Moments before the tree came crashing down, a home run was hit by Blake Hazelton of the Nationals. As the kids scurried away from the tree to try and secure the home run ball, the tree split in two with the larger half crashing to the ground.

"This home run may have literally saved lives as all the kids at the tree immediately rushed down to look for the ball," said Bob Bouchet, who attended the game.

Spectators at the game quickly rushed to fallen tree, concerned children might have been trapped underneath. But nobody was trapped or injured. Officers and firefighters reported to the scene and tapped off the area.

"After the dust settled, there were a few kids saying they heard the tree cracking and evacuated the area, but there were about 4 to 6 younger siblings that didn't clear — until they heard the cheering from the home run," said Lori Hazelton, the mother of the home run hitter.

The Dodgers won the game Saturday, but the Nationals ending up winning the championship with a victory Sunday.

Falling oak trees have been in the news recently. An oak tree at Willow Glen Park in San Jose fell on June 1, during a private party for San Francisco 49ers coaches and their wives. In that instance, two people were hurt.