This has been happening a lot lately. Almost every game in fact. The announcer bellows what a fantastic throw the shortstop has made to 1st base to throw someone out. And it’s usually true. They have. And it doesn’t have to be the shortstop. Could be the 2nd baseman, 3rd baseman catcher. You get the picture.
But the third time it happened tonight in the Giants vs Padres game I was compelled to grab my camera and take a snapshot of the TV screen. It was important to me to validate what a fantastic job the 1st Baseman does in catching (more like salvaging) a ball that, without his outstanding athletic ability, would have ended up in the dugout or worse.
I call it the First Baseman’s Stretch. And if you’ll watch for it, you’ll be surprised how often it happens. That’s probably why it’s a really good idea to get a 6’5″, left-handed guy to handle that base. Even while doing the splits this guy needs the wingspan of a 747 for the reach to make the play.
I just wish the commentators would be more aware of giving credit to the player that’s miraculously avoiding a pulled groin every time he stretches to make that catch while at the same time keeping at least one of his toes on that first base bag.
Above, Michael Morse makes it look easy ….. kinda ….. sort of.
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