Oakland Athletics rookie center fielder Ramón Laureano is in his fifth major-league game, and he’s already made a throw that few big leaguers have.
In the bottom of the third inning on Saturday night in Anaheim, the Angels’ Justin Upton hit a flyball to deep left-center field. Eric Young Jr. was on the basepaths for the Angels, and thought the ball would get down, so he rounded second base.
But Laureano ran it down at the track, and that wasn’t even close to the most incredible thing about the play. From 321 feet away, Laureano made a throw to first base that never touched the ground, to double off Young.
A 321-foot strike. Here are some looks at the unbelievable play:
Throw of the year?! 😳 pic.twitter.com/fgFmTMXOKO
— MLB (@MLB) August 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/statcast/status/1028468338291290112
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) August 12, 2018
Ramón Laureano’s got a hose. pic.twitter.com/TnAZEgfSYZ
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 12, 2018
Statcast clocked Laureano's throw at 91.2 mph, traveling 321 feet IN THE AIR.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) August 12, 2018
The play of the year was just made in Anaheim & I’m LOSING MY MIND! HOLY HELL Ramon Laureano! He tracked a ball to the track that was a sure 2B & then proceeded to unleash a throw on the fly to double up the runner at 1st. I’m mystified right now.
— Dallas Braden (@DALLASBRADEN209) August 12, 2018
Shades of José Guillén at Coors Field 20 years ago.
