I’ve said it before, but I continue to believe it: some diving plays are simple compensations for late jumps or indirect routes; while other diving plays could not have been made without perfect timing, athleticism and talent. And even then, they’re 1 in 100.
The following catch is an example of the latter:
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That wasn’t just an outstretched arm reaching for ball a few feet away. The catch required both vertical and horizontal movement in the extreme. His glove reaches high into the air and would not have met the ball if his jump wasn’t sufficiently enormous.
What an absolutely astonishing play; I can’t believe he came up with it.
Rockies 20th rounder Bobby Stahel, we now know your name.