62 years ago today, Willie Mays pulled off the impossible play known simply as 'The Catch'
It's always nice to do a great thing and win comparisons to someone who did a similarly great thing in the past. Although, it's probably better to be the person who actually produced the great thing in the first place.
Willie Mays produced his original, tremendous moment 62 years ago today -- simply known as, "The Catch." There have been many imitators over the years -- in both the Majors and the Minors -- but none have topped this iconic moment:
#TBT: 62 years ago today, Willie Mays made everyone 😱. https://t.co/d4OiEU4SBJ pic.twitter.com/LXlvzpbWmh
— MLB (@MLB) September 29, 2016
Besides running full-sprint to dead-center field and making an over-the-shoulder grab with his back to home plate, the catch (and throw) also came during Game 1 of the 1954 World Series -- keeping the Indians from taking the lead in the 10th inning. The Giants would win the game and go on to sweep the Fall Classic. Afterward, a humble Mays told reporters:
"I had the ball all the way," he said. "There was nothing too hard about that one. Did that save the game? Well, maybe it did. But what about my hitting? I wasn't any help up there at the plate."
Nope, sorry, Willie. We're still talking about the catch.