Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
Baseball’s been around for well over 100 years. During that time, there have been numerous incredible plays by both infielders and outfielders, as well as pitchers, that have left everyone’s jaws dropping. That includes the professionals playing on the field. To be honest, this slideshow could have reached 100. Instead, we’ll trim it down to a more manageable 23. However, if you think we’ve missed one, we’ve left it on the cutting room floor … for now.
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Willie Mays’ World Series Miracle at the Polo Grounds (1954)
Game 1 of the ’54 Series, eighth inning, tie game. Vic Wertz launches one deep to center at the cavernous Polo Grounds. Mays, playing shallow, turns and sprints an estimated 420 feet, making an over-the-shoulder catch that would define defensive excellence for generations to come. His quick recovery and strong throw prevented Larry Doby from scoring the go-ahead run from second and held Al Rosen to third, showcasing pure instinctive brilliance that changed baseball forever. This one’s going to be looked at 100 years from now.
Ozzie’s Rookie Magic: The Barehand in San Diego (1978)
April 20, 1978, at San Diego Stadium, a rookie shortstop named Ozzie Smith showed the world why they’d soon call him “The Wizard.” Diving full-extension to his left, Smith barehanded a hard grounder and, from his knees, fired a strike to first base. This wasn’t just a great play – it was the birth of a legend. The sad thing is that baseball on TV was still gaining its foothold in terms of image quality. If this happened today, there would be multiple replays from every angle and it would be a staple on social media.
Clemente’s World Series Laser: Game 2 vs Baltimore (1971)
Roberto Clemente’s arm was legendary, worthy of 10 photos on this slideshow, but this throw in Game 2 of the ’71 Series was something else entirely. From deep right field, he unleashed a throw so perfect, so powerful, that it seemed to defy physics, nailing Merv Rettenmund at third base. The ball never touched the ground, a missile that reminded everyone why they called right field at Forbes Field “Clemente’s Corner.”
Edmonds’ Kauffman Stadium Miracle Dive (1997)
June 10, 1997, became the day Jim Edmonds redefined what was possible in center field. Running full speed with his back to home plate, he launched himself horizontal to the ground, somehow catching David Howard’s drive over his shoulder. The catch was so impossible that even Royals fans stood and applauded, knowing they’d witnessed something that would be talked about for decades.
Brooks Robinson’s World Series Dive: The Lee May Play (1970)
Game 1 of the 1970 World Series showcased why they called him “The Human Vacuum Cleaner.” Brooks Robinson dove to his left to snag Lee May’s scorching grounder in the hole, somehow got to his feet, and threw out the speedy runner at first. It wasn’t just a great play – it was the signature moment of Robinson’s defensive mastery that would define the entire Series. It was also why he’s still the first one people think of when it comes to the greatest third basemen of all time.
The Flip: Jeter’s Sixth Sense Saves the Yankees (2001)
October 13, 2001, ALDS Game 3 – a play that defied both logic and preparation. Jeter appeared out of nowhere on the first base line, scooped an errant relay throw, and flipped it backhand to Jorge Posada, who tagged Jeremy Giambi (who didn’t slide) at home. The Yankees would go on to win the series, but this moment of pure baseball instinct became the defining image of Jeter’s defensive genius.
Ken Griffey Jr.’s Spider-Man Moment at the Wall (1991)
The Kid turned the Kingdome’s center field wall into his personal playground, scaling it with such grace you’d think gravity was optional. With his trademark backward cap and million-dollar smile, Junior made the impossible look routine, showing a generation of young players that defense could be just as exciting as hitting home runs.
Jose Guillen’s Warning Track Missile Defies Physics (1998)
From the warning track at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico, Guillen unleashed what many consider the strongest throw in baseball history. Some refer to it as “the mutant throw.” The ball traveled on a line to third base, nabbing Neifi Perez who couldn’t believe what had just happened. It was a throw that had to be seen to be believed, and even then, your eyes might tell you it was impossible.
Torii Hunter Robs Barry Bonds: All-Star Game Magic (2002)
The 2002 All-Star Game at Miller Park gave us one of baseball’s most memorable moments. Hunter scaled the center field wall to rob Barry Bonds of a home run, and what followed was pure baseball joy – Bonds playfully picking up the much smaller Hunter in celebration. It was a reminder that even in an exhibition game, greatness recognizes greatness. It’s a shame that this moment was overshadowed by the one of Bud Selig standing there helplessly as the managers told him they were out of players. The game ended in a tie, and sparked an overhaul.
Bo Guns Down Reynolds: The Seattle Laser (1989)
June 5, 1989, at the Kingdome, Bo Jackson reminded everyone he wasn’t just a marketing phenomenon. Harold Reynolds tried to score from first on a double to left field, but Bo had other ideas. The throw was so quick, so perfect, like a blur — the speed of the throw was astonishing — that it left people stunned. The call at the plate was made by home plate umpire Larry Barnett. Still, replays showed that Reynolds, who spiked his helmet in disbelief, was out.
Gary Matthews Jr.’s Over-the-Wall Miracle (2006)
July 1, 2006, at Ameriquest Field became the day Gary Matthews Jr. seemed to defy gravity itself. Racing to deep center, he leaped, twisted his body in mid-air, and reached over the wall to rob Mike Lamb of a home run. The catch was so spectacular that he likely even stunned Michael “Air” Jordan at how high he could leap.
Swoboda’s World Series Dive Stuns Baltimore (1969)
Game 4 of the ’69 Series saw Ron Swoboda make a diving catch that helped cement the Miracle Mets’ legacy. Brooks Robinson’s line drive seemed destined for extra bases until Swoboda launched himself parallel to the ground, somehow holding onto the ball after a full-extension dive. It was the kind of play that made you believe in miracles.Combine that with Tommie Agee’s snowcone catch, and the Mets had quite the defensive series.
Ichiro Guns Down Long: ‘The Throw’ (2001)
April 11, 2001, Ichiro introduced America to his legendary arm. When Terrence Long tried to go first-to-third on a single to right field, Ichiro unleashed a throw that seemed to break the laws of physics – a perfect strike to third base that traveled so fast the TV cameras barely caught it. It was the moment that made Major League Baseball realize this wasn’t just another Japanese import – this was something special.
Varsho’s Fall and Rise: The Duran Backhand (2023)
April 29, 2023, Daulton Varsho turned what should have been disaster into defensive brilliance. After falling down tracking Jarren Duran’s deep drive to center, Varsho somehow regained his footing and made a backhanded grab that left the crowd stunned. It was the kind of recovery that showed pure athletic instinct – proving that sometimes the best plays come after things go wrong.
Rudi’s Backhand Beauty Saves the Series (1972)
Game 2 of the ’72 World Series, and Joe Rudi made a play that Oakland fans still talk about. Racing back to the left field wall at Riverfront Stadium, he leaped and reached back to rob Denis Menke of extra bases in the ninth inning, preserving a one-run lead. The A’s would win the game 2-1, and Rudi’s catch became the series’ defining moment.
Andruw’s Redemption: After Bagwell’s Inside-the-Parker (2000)
This photo can’t quite convey how tough this play was for Andruw Jones… especially since he had just failed in his first attempt. The game took place in May of 2000 at the then-Enron Field. Jones showed why baseball is a game of redemption. Jeff Bagwell hit a deep fly ball to center field that the Atlanta centerfielder, who always played shallow, raced to try to catch. The problem was that there was a literal uphill climb for Jones-Tal’s Hill, a slope. Jones stumbled just as the ball reached his glove. Bagwell was able to take third and then home on a throwing error. On the very next pitch, Ken Caminiti skied one to nearly the same spot, and Jones made the catch. He had to take a deep breath after that to try to recover from all the running.
Mitchell’s Bare-Hand Ballet in St. Louis (1989)
April 26, 1989, at Busch Stadium, Kevin Mitchell turned a potential disaster into an all-time highlight. After overrunning a fly ball in left field, Mitchell reached back and somehow caught the ball bare-handed while running full speed. It was the kind of play that seemed more suited for a sandlot game than a Major League contest, but Mitchell made it work.
Arenado’s AT&T Park Tarp Flip (2015)
April 14, 2015, Nolan Arenado proved why he’s considered one of the greatest defenders in baseball history. Chasing a foul ball at AT&T Park, he made an over-the-shoulder catch before flipping over the tarp and into the stands. The degree of difficulty was off the charts, but what happened next was even more impressive. Arenado had the presence of mind to then twist his body and throw to third to try to get a double play. After that, he motioned to the bench, “I’m fine.”
Rowand’s Face-First Sacrifice vs Nady (2006)
May 11, 2006. This one’s literally painful to watch. Aaron Rowand showed what it means to sacrifice everything for a play. Tracking Xavier Nady’s drive at Citizens Bank Park, Rowand crashed face-first into the center field wall, breaking his nose but somehow holding onto the ball. He left the field bloodied but victorious, creating a moment that defined both his career and the spirit of Philadelphia baseball.
Céspedes’ 318-Foot Angel Stadium Strike (2014)
June 10, 2014, Yoenis Céspedes turned a mistake into a miracle. After bobbling Mike Trout’s double in left field at Angel Stadium, he unleashed an impossible 318-foot throw on a line to nail Howie Kendrick at home plate. The throw was so remarkable that the Angels’ crowd couldn’t help but applaud, even though it went against their team. This was something that came naturally to Cespedes. It’s certainly not able to be taught.
Ordoñez’s Throw From His Knees: Announcing Himself to the World (1996)
Rey Ordoñez redefined shortstop creativity with this masterpiece in April 1996. Cutting off a throw from the outfield, he then fell to his knees as he made a throw to the plate to nail Royce Clayton. The Shea crowd roared its approval and Clayton could only sit there, stunned at what had just happened.
Big Sexy’s Surprise: Bartolo’s Behind-the-Back Flip (2015)
It’s appropriate that we’re ending the slideshow with this one. On September 5, 2015, in Florida, Bartolo Colon showed that age and size are just numbers. When Justin Bour hit a dribbler down the first-base line, Big Sexy channeled his inner acrobat, flipping the ball behind his back to Eric Campbell at first for the out. It didn’t hurt that they were up 7-0 over the Marlins at the time. The dugout was loose and giddy after that play.