One of Jason Heyward’s best catches as a Cub came in Milwaukee last July when he robbed Ryan Braun of a homer. Braun was quite mad, slamming his helmet down and staring into the outfield in disbelief.
I imagine, then, that it felt good to do this to Heyward last night, while playing first base:
“I wouldn’t say I’m anywhere near comfortable at first base.”
Brauny, we beg to differ. pic.twitter.com/wrZIQEogEK
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) April 27, 2018
For a guy who was the worst third baseman in baseball history (I’m not being cute – statistically, he was), and who has since been exclusively an outfielder, that’s … *grits teeth so hard one of them chips* … a very nice play.
The play saved at least one run at the time, and perhaps two. In a pitcher’s duel like that, it could have meant the ballgame. Braun was happy about it, telling Brewers.com that he was particularly happy it came against Heyward: “That play against Heyward was nice. That guy has probably taken away a solid 10 to 12 extra-base hits from me over the years. There are very few guys I would want to take an extra-base hit away from more, because of all the ones he’s taken from me.”
Yeah, yeah. Stop being … not hatable.
At least later in the game, Javy Baez got a little revenge for his teammate, skying up to rob Braun of a hit:
Como por arte de magia, ¡Qué JUGADÓN de “El Mago” @javy23baez! 🎩💫 #Cachorros pic.twitter.com/amnkqkWUV6
— Cachorros de Chicago (@cachorros) April 27, 2018
I like the Spider-Man look there at the end on the landing. It would certainly explain a lot.
I’d say that one could have gone all the way to the wall, but with Heyward and Albert Almora out there, no chance. Still, even a single in a one-run game could make the difference, so it was a big play. I’m sure Javy enjoyed it.
These two have had some competitive fun before – you might recall when Braun tried to swipe third base after taking second base on Jon Lester, who promptly threw him out. As he ran off the field, Baez made sure to let Braun know he could do it once, but not twice: