Plymouth Meeting Woman Injured By Phillie Phanatic's Hot Dog Gun

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — For decades, the Phillie Phanatic has been one of the most iconic and popular mascots in professional sports. Even the most incorrigible child in the stands, the biggest brat or weiner, cheers when the giant green creature cavorts onto the field and into the crowd. And one of the Phanatic's most time honored traditions is firing hot dogs from a launcher on the field into the stadium, to the roars of a hungry fanbase.

But things took a dark turn on Monday night, when the Phanatic shot a hot dog into the side of the face of Kathy McVay, a Plymouth Meeting resident. The laser frank was wrapped in duct tape to keep it intact, as it always is.

"It hit me like a ton of bricks," she told 6ABC. "My glasses flew."

After the incident, McVay reportedly headed to the emergency room to check for a concussion, which came back negative. She did suffer a small hematoma in her eye, the report states. The side of her face is black and blue.

However, she is a huge Phillies fan and is taking the incident in stride.

"It gives people a good laugh, and if that makes somebody chuckle, then that's fine," she told 6ABC.

Reactions to the incident came in from around the nation.

"Phillie Phanatic innocent!!!!!!!!!!!" one Twitter user wrote.

"We need a space force," political commentator Seth Abramson said.

"The only thing that can stop a bad Phillie Phanatic with a hot dog gun is a good Phillie Phanatic with a hot dog gun," said Toronto sports columnist Bruce Arthur.

One Braves fan even alleged the Phanatic has a rap sheet.

"The Phillie Phanatic injured my kid several years ago (not seriously injured), so I'm not surprised by this. The mascot does some serious horseplay. Also hates #Braves fans I guess."

The Phanatic reportedly "feels terrible" about the incident, and the Phillies have offered McVay free tickets to another game when she feels better.

Image via Shutterstock