While outfielders often get praise for their solid defense, pitchers have also been noteworthy for their play, and in recent MLB history, there have been some phenomenal plays by pitchers that have left people astonished and amazed.
The most memorable pitching plays in recent MLB history
Shohei Ohtani LA Angels May 5, 2021
Ohtani faced Tampa Bay Rays hitter Austin Meadows, who threw the ball straight at Ohtani’s glove, and although the ball missed his glove high, Ohtani caught it with his bare hands and got the out at first base.
Pat Nekushek Cleveland Guardians May 25, 2017
Nekszek was playing against the Colorado Rockies when Charlie Blackmon hit a ball in a hidden spot far from the pitcher and third base, but Nekszek ran and made a great diving play, throwing the ball accurately to get Blackmon out at first base.
Nestor Cortez New York Yankees April 23, 2022
Cleveland Guardians batter Steven Kwan hit a grounder to Anthony Rizzo in what looked like a very tough play, but Rizzo threw the ball to Cortez, who dived and slid in to get the batter out. It was a race to the bases, and Cortez did his best to get the out at first base. The diving Cortez got to the base before Kwan and made the amazing play.
Brett Phillips Tampa Bay Rays April 11, 2022
Oakland Athletics hitter Seth Brown hit a pop fly to Phillips that appeared to be a foul ball, but Phillips sprinted, slid in and made a great catch to get Brown out, as he slid into the Athletics dugout to catch the pop fly.
Marcus Stroman New York Mets April 18, 2021
The Mets were playing the Colorado Rockies, and Stroman caught a ground ball hit by Rockies hitter Josh Fuentes, but he caught it behind his back. Stroman then made a strange throw to first base, and the ball rolled and bounced a lot before reaching the first baseman just in time for the out. Stroman certainly showed off his glove skills with this impressive play.
Cliff Lee Philadelphia Phillies 2009 World Series Game 1
In Game 1 of the 2009 World Series, between the Phillies and the Yankees, Lee made what looked like a perfect catch: a catch made behind his back, and he had a huge grin on his face after the play was over. It was a showy catch of a Yankees ground ball behind his back.
Marcus Stroman Chicago Cubs April 20, 2022
Stroman made some great catches as a pitcher in 2021 and again the following season with the Chicago Cubs. Is catching the ball from behind his back a specialty of his? He did it again against the Rays, this time against hitter Wander Franco, getting the out at first base.
Pitchers demonstrate Gold Glove-worthy ability
These pitchers deserve to be recognized for their athleticism on the mound and their defensive talent. Fans will look back on these plays and wonder how they did it, but their plays were definitely entertaining. Having a ball coming your way can be scary, but they made it all look easy. Whether it was a behind the catch catch or a diving and sliding catch, they made a fearless play and left an impact on the field.
Main photo credit: Chadd Cady-USA TODAY Sports
