Spider-Man in Cleats: Clarke Climbs Wall for Catch of the Year

Athletics outfielder Denzel Clarke may have started his Major League career recently, but he’s already making big headlines. On Monday night against the Los Angeles Angels, Clarke made what many are calling the catch of the year.

In the first inning, Angels hitter Nolan Schanuel smashed a ball that looked like a sure home run. It was headed over the left-center field wall until Clarke stepped in. The 25-year-old center fielder ran full speed to the warning track, timed his leap perfectly, grabbed the wall for support, and reached far over the fence to snatch the ball from the sky.

https://youtu.be/-5RnsRv6JZg?si=3qJ2Umk4Kt30a8B8

Fans were stunned. So was Schanuel, who could only stare in disbelief before heading back to the dugout.

“I just timed it up,” Clarke said after the game. “Found my distance between the wall and did what the ball told me to do. Just go up there and get it.”

“I’m always very tentative to say this was the best one,” he added. “But I think this is probably the best one I’ve ever made.” (MLB.com)

Clarke, who made his MLB debut on May 23, has played in only 16 games so far in his young career. But this is already his third jaw-dropping catch. Earlier this season, he robbed Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk of a home run by climbing the wall. Then, he made a running grab against the Orioles, crashing into the center-field wall and injuring his shoulder while stealing a hit from Jorge Mateo.

https://youtu.be/Cr8NK-wfCZc?si=gA0Gd-7K9LoMNsjF

It might be hard to top, but don’t be surprised if Denzel Clarke finds a way to do it again.