Matt Diaz Takes Down Fan: 5 Tips on Having a Memorable On-Field Run

Everyone thinks about it, but only a few are actually brave enough to do it.

That's right, I'm talking about running onto the field during a live game.

Last night, another fan joined the exclusive echelon of streakers and general troublemakers when he ran onto the field at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, dressed in a red spandex suit.

The man eluded security guards for a few seconds before Atlanta Braves outfielder Matt Diaz calmly brought him down with a swift nudge in the back of the knee.

All that effort into the costume and the guy can't even make it to the infield. But, you have to admire him for trying!

Here are five tips to make sure your on-field debut goes smoothly, until you're tackled by security guards, that is.

1. Stick To Baseball

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - AUGUST 29: Linebacker James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends against the Denver Broncos during preseason NFL action at INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 29, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 34-17. (P

Sure it'd be cool to run onto the field at Cowboys Stadium, or jump around Kobe Bryant at the Staples Center. But those guys don't mess around.

Just ask the Browns fan who thought it'd be a good idea to run onto the field, where Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison was waiting to body slam him. Or ask the dude Jermaine O'Neal punched in the face during the infamous Ron Artest melee.

If you intend on coming out of your on-field escapade without suffering serious bodily harm, the sport to do it is definitely baseball (or soccer, if you're feeling particularly quick).

In football, the players are heavily padded and are wearing helmets. In basketball, the players are gigantic. In baseball, the players are too worried about pulling a muscle to actually chase you around the field.

Pick a nice baseball park and do your thing. Your bones will thank me later.

2. Avoid Streaking

Yes, streaking gets the approval of fans and is the gutsiest of on-field displays. There's also nothing quite like the sensation of running around naked in front of millions of fans (or so I hear). 

But what happens when you're apprehended by the security guards?

That's right, you're still naked.

Is the shame of being taken to jail without any clothes on worth the glory that comes with streaking?

Do yourself a favor and put some clothes on before you step on that field.

3. Costume Design

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 18: USA fans enjoy the atmosphere prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between Slovenia and USA at Ellis Park Stadium on June 18, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty

You could just go onto the field wearing shorts and a T-shirt. But that's boring. Do something that will get your picture circulated all over the Internet. After all, isn't fame what you're after in the first place?

Picking the right costume is a tricky, but crucial, component of any on field run. Don't settle for something boring like a Spider-Man outfit. Be creative. Think outside the box (spandex is most definitely inside the box).

You will get bonus points if the costume is relevant to whatever is actually happening on the field. For instance, if Albert Pujols is playing first base maybe a shirt with a giant posterior on it would be appropriate (just a thought).

One piece of advice, though. Keep your costume hidden until the optimal moment. Security will have their eyes on you all game if you walk into the park wearing a ridiculous get-up

4. Have a Plan

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 18: Skip Schumaker #55 of the St. Louis Cardinals breaks for home plate against the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium on September 18, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Padres beat the Cardinals 8-4. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty

If you're going to go through the trouble of organizing everything, the least you should do is have a plan of what you're going to do when you hit the field.

Some enthusiasts simply want to make it across the field without getting tackled. Others may want to touch home plate. An ambitious few want to see how long they can last without getting caught.

There's no right or wrong here. Just make sure you're not running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Figure out what you want to accomplish in your brief time on the field, and do it.

5. Exercise

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - MAY 04: Jonathan Herrera #21 of the Colorado Rockies back hands a grounder and throws out Derek Lowe of the Los Angeles Dodgers to end the top of the third inning at Coors Field on May 4, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty

That's right, exercise.

You're going to be on a field with professional athletes. Don't embarrass yourself by getting winded after 15 seconds of running.

Work out and build up your endurance. Do some suicides to increase your change of direction speed. Beef up so you can break a couple tackles.

Running onto the field is a major commitment. Make it last as long as possible by making sure you're in good enough shape to outrun the guards for a while.

Oh, and don't try and confront any of the athletes. You will lose.