WATCH: Heyward slides into wall while making tough catch |
CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward has won five Gold Gloves in his career for good reason. Largely considered one of the most complete defensive outfielders in the game, Heyward showcased what makes him so valuable in the field in a game against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday.
In the top of the second, Tigers catcher James McCann hit a liner down the right-field line. With the wall in right field so close to the line at Wrigley Field, making plays on hits such as those is not easy, but Heyward made it look as routine as possible with a perfectly timed sliding catch. Sliding feet-first in order to avoid a head-on collision with the wall, Heyward made the catch in fair territory just before making contact with the wall. Understandably, Heyward took a little longer than usual to get to his feet, but he was able to shake it off. Preventing what would have likely been a triple for McCann, Heyward went all out for the stellar grab and earned a deserved chorus of cheers from the Wrigley faithful in return. People ask us what it’s like having the best right fielder in baseball.
It’s like this: pic.twitter.com/9nsaf5MKV8
