Bucket-Wearing Cubs Fan Says Unusual 'Rally Cap' Saved His Life

CHICAGO, IL — A Chicago Cubs fan credits his unusual choice of rally cap — an empty plastic bubble gum container — with saving his life during a game at Wrigley Field last week. Kyle McAleer says the metal pin that hit him in the head when it fell from the ballpark's scoreboard July 24 could have killed him if he hadn't been wearing his "rally bucket."

"[The pin] might have fractured my skull," he told the Chicago Tribune. "It definitely could have been fatal. I am extremely lucky."

Even with his unorthodox protective headgear, McAleer still suffered a head laceration from the accident, which happened the day before his 20th birthday, the report stated. The injury required staples, and doctors are continuing to monitor him for concussion symptoms, the report added.

McAleer, who lives in Scranton, Iowa, had been sitting under Wrigley's centerfield scoreboard when a metal pin holding one of the tiles got loose. The pin pushed the rally bucket down on his head, knocking off his glasses.

RELATED: Wrigley Field Scoreboard Tile Hits Teen Wearing Bucket On Head

Ballpark medics helped McAleer, and he was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center. McAleer told the Tribune he never lost consciousness, but the impact cracked his rally bucket, and he now displays it at home as a bloody reminder of the game. He also posted photos of the experience online, even using the label #Bucketman.

The rally bucket tradition began when Cubs players began wearing them in 2015. McAleer got his bubble gum bucket a few years ago at Sam's Club, and he donned it when pitcher Kyle Hendricks gave up three runs in the fifth inning of last year's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cubs lost the game 5-1.

After the accident, the team gave McAleer an Addison Russell jersey and other Cubs merchandise. He still hasn't decided whether he will pursue legal action against the club, which did not respond to messages left by the Tribune this week.

More via the Chicago Tribune

Wrigley Field's manual scoreboard (Photo by David Banks | Getty Images)