D-backs' Gallen accidentally kills bird with throw

OAKLAND, Calif. — Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers aspire to be like Randy Johnson.

Zac Gallen unintentionally got real close to emulating the Hall of Famer.

While warming up in the outfield before Arizona’s 5-3 win in Oakland on Wednesday, Gallen threw a curveball that hit a bird in midflight, apparently killing the animal.

“I don’t really know what happened, honestly,” Gallen said. “I just know that the ball changed directions really. I saw what happened. It’s kind of a freak accident. It’s unfortunate.”

The throw was captured by cameras for Diamondbacks broadcaster Bally Sports Arizona.

Johnson infamously killed a bird during a spring training game in 2001. While he was throwing a pitch against the San Francisco Giants, a bird crossed in front of home plate and was destroyed by the baseball.

Gallen was only 5 when that happened.

“I don’t remember it as a kid,” he said. “But I’ve seen the clip many times.”

Gallen’s incident happened one day before the anniversary of Johnson pitching a perfect game for Arizona against the Atlanta Braves in 2004.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.