Los Angeles Angels shortstop José Iglesias had an impressive defensive stop yesterday (March 24) during a pre-season game against the Kansas City Royals. Some are saying it’s the best defensive play of his 11-year career.
When Royals catcher Cam Gallagher hit the ball in the third inning close to second base, the Cuban-born All-Star flung his body to scoop it up on the bounce, then rolled over and threw the ball to first base for the out while almost lying on his back.
“How about that?” Angels’ manager Joe Maddon said. “After the play, I wrote down, ‘What’s more inspiring, a grand slam or a play like that?’ That’s one of those impossible things. I don’t know how he threw it. I’d have to watch that one in slow-motion because it really was an incredible play.”
Sure, it was an incredible play, but the best play Iglesias has ever pulled off? Here is a look at some of Iglesias’ other gems on the diamond.
Robbing David Ortiz
As a player for the Tigers in 2013, Iglesias sprints across the field to pick off David Ortiz’s pop fly and almost looks like he swats it out of the sky.
Barehand to First Base
Also, during his tenure with the Tigers, Iglesias pulled off this barehanded throw to first base to catch the runner by a split second.
Behind the Back Flip to Second
During a game against the Chicago White Sox, Iglesias stops a ground ball in front of second base and proceeds to toss it behind his back with his glove for the out.
Catch and Pitch
The play-by-play announcers call this move “magic” and “unreal” when Iglesias catches the fly ball on the run and then tosses it to his left fielder to finish the double play.
Spiked Ball
We’re not quite sure why Iglesias does what he does on this play to get it to first base for the out, but it sure does look cool.