Hays honored for amazing homer-robbing grab
Orioles center fielder Austin Hays' unbelievable effort to rob Blue Jays third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of a home run on Thursday at Camden Yards has been named the Play of the Week presented by W.B. Mason.
Guerrero was vying for Toronto's third straight homer in the fourth inning of Thursday's game, but Hays intervened, making a leaping, full-extension catch to take away the would-be big fly from his fellow rookie.
“It’s really cool to get that recognition," Hays said. "Especially since a couple weeks ago I thought I was home for the season and making the big leagues was kind of out the window. It’s a really nice recognition at the end of the year.”
Hays excitedly pounded his chest when he landed back on the warning track after the catch, and even Guerrero gave him props, doffing his helmet to the 24-year-old outfielder before making his way back to the dugout.
After the game, similarities were made to a catch that Mike Trout made in his rookie season back in 2012.
"I’ve seen it now. It was cool -- both literally in the same spot," Hays said. "To see the mirror images of it was pretty cool. I’ll say his was better. I looked up to that guy for a long time and he’s one of the best to ever do it. “