Putting Kevin Pillar's latest highlight-reel grab in context of the season's best catches
On Monday night, Blue Jays center fielder
Pillar's no stranger to the unreal when it comes to flashing some gaudy defense on the diamond, as it's a pretty common occurence these days. But when it comes to christening a particular jaw-dropping defensive play Catch of the Year, well, that's an ongoing, ever-changing discussion.
That said, where does Pillar's rank among the season's most impressive thus far? We think it ranks pretty high, honestly, though there are other contenders in play as well. Well, not technically "in play" anymore, since the baseballs ended up in gloves rather than in open real estate, but you get the point.
Anyway, some other great ones from the season to date, in no particular order:
This one happened on Aug. 1 in an Indians-Red Sox game in Boston -- but with
The Reds employ one of the game's fastest talents in Hamilton, and he doesn't just use it on the bases (though he does that too). Catching up to this line drive struck by
Astros slugger
In the spirit of a wall-smashing grab you'll see a few spots below this one, the Marlins outfielder had a similarly adventurous trip to deny
This one isn't entirely surprising considering it's the Rays' Kiermaier, but the dramatic value of ending a victory by stealing a would-be homer with an expertly-timed leap at the center-field wall is just perfect (as was
Pillar goes into the ivy
There's that man again! Just last week, Mr. Pillar, Baseball Thief, literally ran into the ivy at Wrigley Field to deny
Of course, the above are merely a sampling of some of the most dazzling catches made by outfielders this season. By the time you read this, there might be a handful more worth your time (and double-takes, potentially). Let's all bask in their amazingness, because ... well, they deserve it.
Which catch is your favorite so far in 2017? Weigh in in the comment section below.