\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":" \n\nThe names behind these jaw-dropping plays are easily recognizable -- a Hall of Fame third baseman and two players who are following in his footsteps with their defensive prowess at the hot corner, plus a shortstop who is likely to make the Hall on his first ballot in 2020.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Manny Machado, Orioles** \n_July 7, 2013, at Yankees_\n\nMachado was in his first full season and not yet established as one of the top defensive stars in the game, but he showed what he was capable of with this play at Yankee Stadium on a grounder down the third-base line.\n\nAlthough he bobbled the ball initially and was well into foul territory by the time he gathered it, Machado still got Luis Cruz at first base by making an unbelievable sidearm throw with his momentum carrying him toward the stands.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2013-07-07T17:05:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2013/07/07/mlbtv_balnya_28689219_3gpp_128K.3gp","type":"video","description":"7/7/13: Manny Machado fields a grounder deep in foul territory and fires an unbelievable off-balance throw across the diamond for the out","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:37","slug":"machado-shows-off-his-arm-c28689219","tags":[{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-592518","title":"Manny Machado","person":{"__ref":"Person:592518"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-2013","title":"HBmig 2013","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-feature","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_FEATURE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-application-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_APPLICATION_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-147","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 147","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-110","title":"Baltimore Orioles","team":{"__ref":"Team:110"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-110","title":"HBmig 110","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-vtp-outstandings","title":"HBmig Famous Plays","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-embeddable","title":"HBmig Blog embeddable","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-no-transcode","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_NO_TRANSCODE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-shareable","title":"HBmig FB shareable (internal)","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-top-play","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_TOP_PLAY","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-110","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 110","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-realtime-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_REALTIME_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"classic","title":"classic","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"defense","title":"defense","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/xwrwny9w4i6exyfonumu"},"title":"Machado shows off his arm","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/machado-shows-off-his-arm-c28689219"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Brooks Robinson, Orioles** \n_1970 World Series Game 1 at Reds_\n\nDecades before Machado took over, it was Robinson who owned the hot corner in Baltimore, winning 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1960-75. The Orioles reached the World Series four times during that span, and in Game 1 of the 1970 Fall Classic, Robinson made one of the signature defensive plays of his career to take an extra-base hit away from Lee May.\n\nLeading off the bottom of the sixth inning with the game tied at 3, May laced a grounder just inside the third-base bag. After showing off his quick reflexes and soft hands by getting to the ball and making a backhanded snag, Robinson unleashed an outstanding off-balance throw that bounced directly to the waiting glove of first baseman Boog Powell for the out. The O’s would go on to win the game and the series.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2012-10-04T03:57:21Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2014/10/10/mlbtv_25331825_3gpp_128K.3gp","type":"video","description":"Brooks Robinson flashes amazing defensive plays, and powers the offense with some clutch hits in the 1970 World Series for the Orioles","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:02:12","slug":"robinson-leads-o-s-to-70-title-c25331825","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-feature","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_FEATURE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-shareable","title":"HBmig FB shareable (internal)","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-110","title":"Baltimore Orioles","team":{"__ref":"Team:110"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-110","title":"HBmig 110","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-embeddable","title":"HBmig Blog embeddable","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-mm-hightlight-reel","title":"HBmig Highlight Reel","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-121301","title":"Brooks Robinson","person":{"__ref":"Person:121301"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"classic","title":"classic","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/hdkzl3vyx3fnorx8zxa7"},"title":"Robinson leads O's to '70 title","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/robinson-leads-o-s-to-70-title-c25331825"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Nolan Arenado, Rockies** \n_April 27, 2014 at Dodgers_\n\n“You might as well just go ahead and give him the Gold Glove right now in April,” Rockies analyst Jeff Huson said after this incredible gem by Arenado, who would indeed win his second straight Gold Glove Award at the end of the 2014 season.\n\nIt was amazing enough that Arenado managed to get to Scott Van Slyke’s grounder down the third-base line with a diving stop. Then he popped up in foul territory and, with his back foot near the lip of the outfield grass, sent a laser across the diamond to first baseman Mark Reynolds, beating Van Slyke by a step.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2014-04-27T20:10:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2014/04/27/mlbtv_collan_32438389_3gpp_128K.3gp","type":"video","description":"4/27/14: Nolan Arenado smothers a sharp grounder down the line, jumps to his feet and makes the long throw to first, robbing a leadoff hit","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:20","slug":"arenado-s-diving-play-c32438389","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-feature","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_FEATURE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-application-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_APPLICATION_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-115","title":"Colorado Rockies","team":{"__ref":"Team:115"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-115","title":"HBmig Colorado Rockies","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-571448","title":"Nolan Arenado","person":{"__ref":"Person:571448"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-no-transcode","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_NO_TRANSCODE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-115","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 115","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-top-play","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_TOP_PLAY","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-119","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 119","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-realtime-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_REALTIME_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"defense","title":"defense","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/typguvljzdb3ffz2dc72"},"title":"Arenado's diving play","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/arenado-s-diving-play-c32438389"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Derek Jeter, Yankees** \n_1998 ALCS Game 1 vs. Indians_\n\nWhile some modern-day metrics don’t portray Jeter’s defense favorably, the long-time Yankees captain had his share of legendary moments in the field.\n\nBefore “The Flip” against the A’s in 2001 and his dive into the stands against the Red Sox in 2004, Jeter made this play vs. the Indians in Game 1 of the 1998 ALCS, corralling Travis Fryman’s grounder between shortstop and third base with a backhanded stop and completing a sensational jump-throw to first baseman Tino Martinez.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"1998-10-06T23:05:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2013/03/13/mlbtv_25719195_3gpp_128K.3gp","type":"video","description":"10/6/98: Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter snares Travis Fryman's grounder and makes a jump-throw to get the runner at first","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:54","slug":"jeter-s-jump-throw-gets-the-out-c25719195","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-vtp-1990","title":"HBmig 1990s","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-embeddable","title":"HBmig Blog embeddable","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-147","title":"New York Yankees","team":{"__ref":"Team:147"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-147","title":"HBmig 147","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-feature","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_FEATURE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-116539","title":"Derek Jeter","person":{"__ref":"Person:116539"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-147","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 147","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-no-transcode","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_NO_TRANSCODE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-shareable","title":"HBmig FB shareable (internal)","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-114","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 114","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-vtp-jeter-moments","title":"HBmig Top Jeter moments","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"classic","title":"classic","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"defense","title":"defense","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"postseason","title":"postseason","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/swg50fnvinq04dcwt0qz"},"title":"Jeter's jump-throw gets the out","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/jeter-s-jump-throw-gets-the-out-c25719195"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Best of the rest**\n\nYou could make a highlight reel of spectacular infield throws using only Machado plays. Just look at [this one](https://www.mlb.com/video/machados-long-throw-from-third/c-34946487) Machado made on an Albert Pujols grounder in 2014. Or [this one](https://www.mlb.com/video/machados-strong-throw-to-first/c-34976545) he made the next day, robbing Pujols again. And here's [another](https://www.mlb.com/video/machado-s-incredible-throw-c1509230683) from 2017.\n\nThe same goes for Arenado, who has [shown](https://www.mlb.com/video/arenado-s-sterling-play-c1548811983) he doesn't even need to be [standing](https://www.mlb.com/rockies/video/arenado-dives-throws-from-knees-c2058025483) to make an outstanding throw.\n\nBut let's allow some other players to get their due.\n\n**Matt Chapman, A's** \n_May 29, 2018, vs. Rays_\n\nSince debuting in 2017, Chapman has quickly joined Arenado, his former high school teammate, and Machado among the game's premier defensive third basemen. Chapman was behind the third-base coaching box when he made this stellar throw to get an out on Carlos Gomez's grounder last May. [Watch >](https://www.mlb.com/video/chapman-s-strong-throw-to-first-c2098174683)\n\n**Andrelton Simmons, Braves** \n_April 10, 2015, vs. Mets_\n\nSimmons is the defensive gold standard among shortstops, and arguably all MLB players, because of plays like this one, which saw him range onto the outfield grass, jump and fire a rocket to first base to nab Travis d'Arnaud. It was déjà vu for d'Arnaud, who was thrown out from the outfield grass by Simmons twice ([April 9, 2014](https://www.mlb.com/video/simmons-heads-up-play/c-31950385) and [Aug. 27, 2014](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfPK27xA2aI)) during the previous season. [Watch >](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4gL_Uq-Zd8)\n\n**Tadahito Iguchi, White Sox** \n_April 15, 2006, vs. Blue Jays_\n\nBengie Molina might have been the slowest runner in baseball during his playing days, but that shouldn't detract from Iguchi's awesome effort. Charging hard from second base on Molina's chopper over the pitcher's mound, Iguchi stumbled and began to fall as he fielded the ball. However, he managed to fling the ball to first base just before he hit the ground, recording the out to keep the tying run off base in the ninth inning. [Watch >](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz0XmUkw9IQ)","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/greatest-infield-throws-in-baseball-history","contentType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"When it comes to classic infield plays, great glove work is often only part of the equation.\nCase in point: The list below, which showcases some of the greatest infield throws in recent big league memory.","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":"[_Thomas Harrigan_](mailto:Thomas.Harrigan@mlb.com)_ is a reporter for MLB.com._","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"season-2019","title":"Season 2019","type":"season"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"thomas-harrigan","title":"Thomas Harrigan","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"greatest-plays","title":"Greatest Plays","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/xzkvyoywgn0p4gf9trx6","title":"Greatest infield throws in baseball history"},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}],"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/mlb/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"mlb-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"mlb-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","placement":"right","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV Partners","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Tickets","linkUrl":"/all-star/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1721167200;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB at Rickwood Field","linkUrl":"/events/rickwood/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1718924400;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training","linkUrl":"/tickets/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1711511940;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sell on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/sell/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=15&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Ticket Offers","linkUrl":"/tickets/fan-value","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"VIP Ticket Packages","linkUrl":"/tickets/on-location-experiences","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Students","linkUrl":"/tickets/students","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Tourism","linkUrl":"/tourism","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB World Tour","linkUrl":"/international/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Terms & Conditions","linkUrl":"/tickets/terms-and-conditions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"shopping-cart","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Online Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Auction","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=9mislq-18JnZhOEp-FeGzvUB3G6zxwkeKqwX99MKAttEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-Home","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB NYC Flagship Store","linkUrl":"/shop/nyc-retail-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en?portal=MLTS66FS&CMP=PSC-MLTS66FS","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Store","linkUrl":"https://photostore.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rule Changes","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/rule-changes-2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/probable-pitchers/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Report","linkUrl":"/injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"World Baseball Classic","linkUrl":"/world-baseball-classic","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Draft","linkUrl":"/draft/2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Game","linkUrl":"/all-star/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Life","linkUrl":"/fans/mlb-life","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Pipeline","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/pipeline","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason History","linkUrl":"/postseason/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Great Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/longform","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Podcasts","linkUrl":"/fans/podcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Watch","linkUrl":"/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"Video","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Search","linkUrl":"/video","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast","linkUrl":"/video/topic/statcast","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"/network","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]},{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"MLB.TV","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Postseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/postseason","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2023 Postseason Recap","linkUrl":"/postseason/history/2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Regular Season","linkUrl":"/schedule/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Postseason","linkUrl":"/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02-20","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team by Team Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/team-by-team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"National Broadcasts","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/national-broadcast-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast Leaders","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_leaderboard","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Statcast","linkUrl":"/statcast","linkTarget":"","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospect Stats","linkUrl":"/prospects/stats/top-prospects?type=all&minPA=1","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings/wild-card","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Youth","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play Ball","linkUrl":"/play-ball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Youth Baseball & Softball","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":"group","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Players","linkUrl":"/players","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Prospect Rankings","linkUrl":"/prospects","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Charts","linkUrl":"/team/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Players Association","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbplayers.com","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Negro Leagues","linkUrl":"/history/negro-leagues","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"/play","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=BeatTheStreak2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Immaculate Grid","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ImmaculateGrid2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trivia","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=SporcleTrivia2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pickle","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Pickle2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"By the Numbers","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ByTheNumbers2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Diamond Decisions","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=DiamondDecisions2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bingo","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Bingo2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"expires:1720022400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-mlb-2024","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;lang:es;label:Español","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"ES","linkUrl":"/es","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"日本語","linkUrl":"http://www.mlb.jp/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ja"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"한국어","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbkor.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ko"}]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#002D72","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#041E42","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#057AFF","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#ffffff","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":null,"headerMastheadTagline":null,"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"512px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"56px"}}},"Person:592518":{"__typename":"Person","id":592518},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","id":110,"division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Person:121301":{"__typename":"Person","id":121301},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","id":115,"division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Person:571448":{"__typename":"Person","id":571448},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","id":147,"division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Person:116539":{"__typename":"Person","id":116539},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbcom08","linkInternalFilters":"mlb"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Major League Baseball","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
The names behind these jaw-dropping plays are easily recognizable -- a Hall of Fame third baseman and two players who are following in his footsteps with their defensive prowess at the hot corner, plus a shortstop who is likely to make the Hall on his first ballot in 2020.
Manny Machado, Orioles July 7, 2013, at Yankees
Machado was in his first full season and not yet established as one of the top defensive stars in the game, but he showed what he was capable of with this play at Yankee Stadium on a grounder down the third-base line.
Although he bobbled the ball initially and was well into foul territory by the time he gathered it, Machado still got Luis Cruz at first base by making an unbelievable sidearm throw with his momentum carrying him toward the stands.
Brooks Robinson, Orioles 1970 World Series Game 1 at Reds
Decades before Machado took over, it was Robinson who owned the hot corner in Baltimore, winning 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1960-75. The Orioles reached the World Series four times during that span, and in Game 1 of the 1970 Fall Classic, Robinson made one of the signature defensive plays of his career to take an extra-base hit away from Lee May.
Leading off the bottom of the sixth inning with the game tied at 3, May laced a grounder just inside the third-base bag. After showing off his quick reflexes and soft hands by getting to the ball and making a backhanded snag, Robinson unleashed an outstanding off-balance throw that bounced directly to the waiting glove of first baseman Boog Powell for the out. The O’s would go on to win the game and the series.
Nolan Arenado, Rockies April 27, 2014 at Dodgers
“You might as well just go ahead and give him the Gold Glove right now in April,” Rockies analyst Jeff Huson said after this incredible gem by Arenado, who would indeed win his second straight Gold Glove Award at the end of the 2014 season.
It was amazing enough that Arenado managed to get to Scott Van Slyke’s grounder down the third-base line with a diving stop. Then he popped up in foul territory and, with his back foot near the lip of the outfield grass, sent a laser across the diamond to first baseman Mark Reynolds, beating Van Slyke by a step.
Derek Jeter, Yankees 1998 ALCS Game 1 vs. Indians
While some modern-day metrics don’t portray Jeter’s defense favorably, the long-time Yankees captain had his share of legendary moments in the field.
Before “The Flip” against the A’s in 2001 and his dive into the stands against the Red Sox in 2004, Jeter made this play vs. the Indians in Game 1 of the 1998 ALCS, corralling Travis Fryman’s grounder between shortstop and third base with a backhanded stop and completing a sensational jump-throw to first baseman Tino Martinez.
Best of the rest
You could make a highlight reel of spectacular infield throws using only Machado plays. Just look at this one Machado made on an Albert Pujols grounder in 2014. Or this one he made the next day, robbing Pujols again. And here's another from 2017.
The same goes for Arenado, who has shown he doesn't even need to be standing to make an outstanding throw.
But let's allow some other players to get their due.
Matt Chapman, A's May 29, 2018, vs. Rays
Since debuting in 2017, Chapman has quickly joined Arenado, his former high school teammate, and Machado among the game's premier defensive third basemen. Chapman was behind the third-base coaching box when he made this stellar throw to get an out on Carlos Gomez's grounder last May. Watch >
Andrelton Simmons, Braves April 10, 2015, vs. Mets
Simmons is the defensive gold standard among shortstops, and arguably all MLB players, because of plays like this one, which saw him range onto the outfield grass, jump and fire a rocket to first base to nab Travis d'Arnaud. It was déjà vu for d'Arnaud, who was thrown out from the outfield grass by Simmons twice (April 9, 2014 and Aug. 27, 2014) during the previous season. Watch >
Tadahito Iguchi, White Sox April 15, 2006, vs. Blue Jays
Bengie Molina might have been the slowest runner in baseball during his playing days, but that shouldn't detract from Iguchi's awesome effort. Charging hard from second base on Molina's chopper over the pitcher's mound, Iguchi stumbled and began to fall as he fielded the ball. However, he managed to fling the ball to first base just before he hit the ground, recording the out to keep the tying run off base in the ninth inning. Watch >