Baseball is one of the most iconic sports that has been taking place for centuries on American soil. Originally coming from the traditional games involving hitting a ball with a stick, baseball is ingrained into many people’s hearts. Ever since the MLB began, it has demonstrated some of the best athletes of their time.
Because of this, it is worth keeping a close eye on the latest World Series Odds, since they are changing so frequently. Some of the moments from MLB history which have left a significant impact on the championship involve iconic catches which have changed the trajectory for a team. Here are some of the greatest catches seen in the history of MLB.
Ken Griffey Jr. – Seattle Mariners 1998
Firstly, MLB fans simply cannot forget the iconic catch that took place was the “best play” that Seattle Mariners’ Ken Griffey Jr. ever made. He even said that he believed it was the baseball Gods shining down on him during the 1998 game against the Detroit Tigers.
After the ball was hit, Griffey immediately began chasing it towards the center of the field. The Mariners were playing in the Tigers’ home stadium, and they were struggling to reach the playoffs for that season.
Even though the odds were stacked against them, and the stadium at the time was an outdated construction which had an overhang on the walls, Griffey managed to make a leap of faith for the Mariners. He climbed the wall despite the overhang, which made it even harder to reach.
Then, Griffey somehow managed to touch the ball with the tip of his glove. This made the ball roll into his glove, and it was still there once he had landed. Even though this isn’t one of the most historic moments for everybody, it is difficult to deny the role that this event played for Griffey and for the Mariners.
Jim Edmonds – Anaheim Angels 1997
Another significant catch came from Anaheim Angels’ Jim Edmonds. Even though it happened 25 years ago, Edmonds’ achievements are still being celebrated today. During the bottom fifth of a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Anaheim Angels, Edmonds made a regular game so much more in 1997.
At the Kaufmann Stadium, Edmonds could be seen playing from the shallow center position. This was due to his impressive range, although many believed that he did not stand a chance when David Howard hit the ball.
In an impressive turn of events, Edmonds retrieved the ball following a dive that he did completely blind. His back was turned to the ball, and he somehow ended up catching Howard’s’ hit. He was then seen laid on his back with his legs in the air towards the edge of the warning track. Edmonds stood out during this legendary catch, and he went on to receive the golden glove at the end of this season.
Dewayne Wise – Chicago White Sox 2009
Known for keeping the legendary history of the White Sox alive, Wise was able to work with Mark Buehrle to assert dominance over the Tampa Bay Reys in 2009. Wise was brought towards the center field during the ninth, and it saved the White Sox’s run of perfect games.
The Reys’ Gabe Kapler was about to hit the ball out of the park, before Wise interfered and dove towards the ball before it had the chance to secure a home run. Even though he temporarily juggled the ball and fell to the ground, Wise was able to continue the White Sox’s legacy.
His efforts were celebrated following this game, and it has become known as ‘the catch’ in the franchise’s history.
Derek Jeter – New York Yankees 2004
Another iconic moment within MLB history was seen in 2004 when Derek Jeter, from the New York Yankees dove towards the crowds after catching out a batter from the Boston Red Sox. Jeter was known for playing his heart out, and doing anything that he could to secure the Yankees’ success in the league.
However, it was the momentum that led to this event, and Jeter was filled with adrenaline after catching the ball in the foul territory. Jeter’s determination and loyalty to New York made him stand out, and it is this that made him an icon within the Yankees’ history.
Willie Mays – New York Giants 1954
Not only was Willy Mays’ return to the New York Giants momentous, but he caught a long fly ball during a 1954 game against the Cleveland Indians. The outfielder stood out for giving it his all, and for miraculously retrieving the ball that was flying over his head before spinning round and passing it towards the infield.
Many have said that this was instrumental in the Giants’ success, and it certainly helped them win this game in the league.
Summary
There have been many examples of iconic catches within the history of MLB. Some of these have gone down in a team’s record books, as it has helped change their narrative during a streak of bad luck, or allowed them to defend their reputation.