Being tall helps outfielders get leverage to rob hitters of home runs when they’re just about to go over the wall, but being tall is not a requirement. As we saw Wednesday night, Baltimore Orioles Cedric Mullins — who is 5-foot-8 — made an incredible catch that denied New York Yankees‘ Gary Sanchez of a two-run home run.
Mullins leaped up at the center field wall at Oriole Park and spun around to take away a would dinger and, while doing so, made the possible catch of the year.
Take a look at the grab:
Even Mullins was impressed by his catch, as he made a shocked expression as he came back down. Other players took note of the catch, including Orioles star John Means, who said, “That was the most incredible catch. I was in awe.”
“He deked me, also. When he showed the ball to everybody, the dugout erupted,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said.
Baltimore right fielder Austin Hays admitted the catch was better than any he could make.
“It was definitely better than the one I made in a similar spot. He can definitely get up higher than I can,” he said.
While the catch was incredible, the Orioles did end up losing to the Yankees, 4-3.
