Willie Mays makes a miraculous play in the 8th

This Day In Baseball

SimLeague Baseball

On August 15, 1951 — At The Polo Grounds,  “I don’t compare ’em, I just catch ’em.”- Giants outfielder Willie MaysWith one out in the top of the eighth inning and a runner on third base in a 1-1 tied game, Willie Mays, running at full speed, makes an incredible catch of Carl Furillo’s drive to deep centerfield.

After grabbing the ball, the rookie outfielder turns counterclockwise and throws a perfect strike to home to nail a surprised Billy Cox at home to complete the double play, Wes Westrum’s two-run homer off Ralph Branca in the 8th provides the two-run margin. Jim Hearn the Giants starter allows just six hits, all singles, as the Giants move to 10 1/2 behind Brooklyn with a 3-1 win.

Some believe, the catch is the impetus for the beginning of the team’s incredible comeback from an 11.5 game deficit to win the National League pennant.

 
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