In an impressive display of wit and execution, Delsea Regional High School pulled off one of the best amateur hidden-ball tricks you’ll ever see.
The crafty maneuver secured Delsea a massive victory against Audubon High School in what was a New Jersey showdown.
With Delsea clinging to a one-run lead in the seventh and final inning, the tension was palpable as Audubon had runners on first and second base with two outs.
As the game hung in the balance, Delsea pitcher George Starr began to work his magic.
Starr appeared to attempt a pickoff at second base.
Thanks to the planned-reaction of Starr and the infielder he was “attempting” to throw to, Delsea acted like the ball sailed into center field.
The panicked reaction led Audubon’s base runners to believe they had the opportunity to advance.
However, to the amazement of all, Starr still had the ball in his hand as he charged towards the unsuspecting Audubon runner and tagged him for the final out of the game.
Needless to say, it was textbook execution of a hidden-ball trick, and left the broadcast announcer (and everyone else) in shock.
“We were all fooled! And the game is over!” the announcer exclaimed.
Starr’s contributions weren’t limited to his perfectly-executed defensive trick.
He also delivered the go-ahead RBI in the sixth inning, further solidifying his MVP impact on the game.
Delsea won by the final score of 4-3 … But just as important, every single player on the field will have a story that they’ll be able to tell for the rest of their lives.
With the victory, Delsea High School improved its record to 5-1 on the season, and established themselves as one of the top contenders in New Jersey’s Tri-County conference.
The highlight play quickly went viral on social media and even made it’s way to ESPN’s SportsCenter.
There’s nothing quite as nostolgic as a good old-fashioned hidden-ball trick.
As kids, it’s something you dream of being able to pull off.
While it’s more often associated with Little League, Starr and company executed it perfectly at the high school level – which in many ways makes it even more impressive.
What are your thoughts on the play?
What is the greatest hidden-ball trick you’ve ever seen?
Have you ever pulled one off personally???