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Five Iconically Acrobatic Plays in MLB History

There are many reasons why people romanticize baseball. From statistics to baseball history, which has been filled with iconic plays, whoever says baseball is boring has failed to see the athleticism of MLB players. The history of MLB is filled with memories of unbelievable and acrobatic plays from players that have made them legendary.

Five Iconic and Acrobatic Plays in MLB History

Ken Caminiti Sitting Throw

Defensive wiz Ken Caminiti made that throw look so easy. Not every day do you see a third baseman in MLB make or even attempt to make a throw sitting down. When you have to make a quick play, there’s no time to wait, and Caminiti made a smooth play and throw by throwing the ball while on the ground. Caiminiti played for the San Diego Padres at the time, and the throw he made was unbelievable.

Dave Parker’s Amazing Outfield Assist to Gary Carter (1979 All-Star Game)

The throw was made right on the money (home plate) to get the runner out. Talk about a huge and phenomenal outfield assist from Dave Parker. It was a shotgun of a throw that saved a run. The duo of both Parker’s throw and Gary Carter‘s catch and successful tag make this an iconic MLB play in history. The National League dugout’s reaction to the play was also quite memorable, as it was a huge play, and the crowd, but more importantly, the dugout was chaotic in celebration and excitement.

Brooks Robinson Throw

The body control required to transition from off balance, reaching for the ball, to releasing a strong throw is unbelievable. It is one of the most famous plays made by an infielder in MLB. Some may argue that Manny Machado could make that play all the time. But Brooks Robinson, who was a legendary baseball player, set the template with this play and did it when the eyes of the entire world were on him, not some regular season game in Tampa in late May.

Sam Hilliard Robs Drury of Home Run

Sam Hilliard made this amazing outfield catch to take a homerun away from Brandon Drury (San Diego Padres). Hilliard can play all three outfield spots in MLB, but has played the most in left and grades out best there in terms of Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). It’s always a good feeling when you can take a home run away from the opposing team and save a run for your team.

Martin Maldonado Catcher Grab

This catch is certainly one of the wackiest catches we’ve ever seen in MLB from a catcher. Martin Maldonado followed the ball and didn’t take his eye off of it to make an impressive catch. He had to slightly dive from behind from where he was standing and turn around to make the grab. It’s not every day you see a catcher making a play like this. It becomes even more impressive given that the opposing team’s fans (Texas Rangers) clapped when Maldonado made the play.

There are surely many other impressive plays in MLB history that people will never forget. But these five are some of the most unique plays made by players. These are plays you don’t see every day and deserve honorable mention. The athleticism and defense seen from these plays will remain memorable in baseball history.

 

Photo Credit: © Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Vanessa Serrao

Vanessa Serrao

Vanessa is a freelance baseball writer for Last Word On Baseball. She is also an author and is pursuing a career in sports journalism. She loves the Toronto Blue Jays, but covers MLB breaking news.

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