One of the biggest series of the entire baseball season kicked off in Baltimore last night as the Orioles hosted the surprising Cleveland Guardians at Camden Yards.
Most people expected the O’s to be legitimate contenders this season, but the Guardians have been an extremely pleasant surprise as they entered the series with a 49-26 record.
As juicy as the matchup was on the field, it was a play in the stands that made national headlines.
In the top of the third inning, Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor sent a deep foul ball down the right field line off Orioles pitcher Cade Povich.
The ball was heading toward the upper decks when a fan, drink and cell phone in hand, tracked its trajectory.
In what could be the catch of the entire year, the fan, managing a stroller behind him, reached out with his right hand and made a stunning bare-handed catch.
You have to admit, that was pretty damn impressive.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the fan, fully aware of his remarkable feat, removed his hat and saluted his fellow O’s faithful.
The hero of the moment, Tim Byer, was later interviewed by Baltimore Banner Sports’ Paul Mancano.
Byer, attending the game with his 3-year-old daughter, shared that it was the first foul ball he had ever caught in his many years attending Orioles games.
“Season ticket holder, and my seats are way down there, but we came up here to spread out a little bit. So, it would’ve been a home run ball had I been over there,” Byer explained.
Byer, a former outfielder at Chesapeake High School in Anne Arundel County and a 25-year church softball veteran, demonstrated his skill in tracking the ball heading toward his family.
“When you’re good, you’re good,” Byer jokingly remarked to Orioles broadcaster Rob Long on the MASN broadcast.
Although catching the ball bare-handed left Byer’s right hand stinging, he had no complaints.
Unfortunately for Byer and the Orioles, the Guardians ended up winning the game 3-2.
The impressive victory improved Cleveland to 50-26 on the season. They now have a solid 8-game lead in the AL Central.
Meanwhile, the loss dropped Baltimore to 49-29, two games behind the AL East-leading New York Yankees.
Where does this rank among the best fan catches you’ve ever seen? … All things considered, is it one of the best of all-time?
As far as actual baseball, what are your thoughts on both teams?
Are the Orioles legitimate World Series contenders? … Or are they simply not ready yet?
How about the Guardians? … Do you think they have a chance to shock some people come October???