What we can learn from baseball’s greatest catch

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In the year of the 60th anniversary of 1954 World Series and “The Catch” in deep center field at the Polo Grounds, many baseball fans are likely to debate the following questions: Is the back-to-home-plate catch and whirling throw by Willie Mays the greatest defensive play in World Series history? Is Mays the greatest defensive outfielder in baseball history? Is Mays the greatest all-round player in baseball history? 

My answer is yes to all three questions. Those who disagree probably would not disagree by much.

Now I’d like to raise another question that emanates from the defensive greatness of Willie Mays. But this one is seldom, if ever, asked. The question follows: Is Willie Mays’ basket catch the best way to catch an outfield fly ball? 

I would say yes, though, admittedly, I’m no expert. But since no experts are making the case for the basket catch, I’ll give it a try.

First, I want to say that I consider the neglect of this question a misjudgment by baseball’s on-field leaders because Mays showed just how well the basket catch can work. 

Even if you don’t believe that Mays was the greatest defensive outfielder ever, he is universally recognized as one of the best. So it would seem that Mays’ unconventional technique deserves more serious consideration than it has received. 

Basket catch club

Add Roberto Clemente to the basket catch club and the neglect of the basket catch question becomes even more mystifying. That’s because Clemente is another legitimate shortlist candidate for the greatest defensive outfielder ever.

Okay, there is significant player precedent. But what about the technical aspects of the basket catch itself?

Since the pump action of the arms when running after a fly ball merges seamlessly with the position of the arms for the basket catch, preparation is a big plus for the maneuver. 

Mays did not have to raise his arms to make the basket catch on the run.  

Instead, the arm action of the run in pursuit of a fly ball and the preparation for the waist-high basket catch blend to become one continuous motion.

Willie Mays, Baseball, Robert Tilitz
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