The No. 24 ranked West Virginia Mountaineers took on the Hofstra Pride on Wednesday, where one West Virginia player made one of the craziest catches of the college baseball season thus far.
The catch occurred in the 10th inning in a 5-5 game when Hofstra infielder Ryan Morash came to the plate. He hit a foul ball toward the Hofstra dugout near the camera well.
The ball looked like it would harmlessly go out of play, but West Virginia third baseman Caleb McNeely leaped into the camera well and miraculously caught the foul ball.
And after review, he is OUT!
What a 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 catch by @Caleb_McNeely jumping into the camera well!#HailWV pic.twitter.com/MWp1DVuxoS
— WVU Baseball (@WVUBaseball) March 22, 2023
It was initially ruled that McNeely was standing out of play which would have negated the catch. However, it was reviewed and ultimately determined that he was in midair at the point of this insane catch.
This absolutely insane catch caught the attention of the college baseball world, with many praising McNeely for his unreal effort.
Absolutely nothing is stopping @Caleb_McNeely ❌#NCAABaseball x 🎥 ESPN+ / @WVUBaseballpic.twitter.com/IHOVdFr2Ob
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) March 23, 2023
This was insane. @SportsCenter top 10 play candidate?! 👀👀👀 https://t.co/VSzLxQTdGE
— Finagle Nagel (@_NagelsBagels_) March 22, 2023
Woah! https://t.co/EtmXbfzlSv
— Shannon Johnson (@mtneer_grl) March 22, 2023
That was THE best catch I’ve seen in a long time. Just glad Caleb landed safely.
— Howard Schilling(He/Him) (@Howard_E_Schill) March 23, 2023
This would not be the last heroic play that McNeely in the game. He would hit a double in the bottom of the tenth inning and ultimately score the winning run after a walk-off single from catcher Sam White.
Walk-off hero!!#HailWV | @samwhite116 pic.twitter.com/1hKZDe4bQD
— WVU Baseball (@WVUBaseball) March 22, 2023
This win propelled the Mountaineers to 16-5 on the year, and a big credit can be given to Caleb McNeely for his extremely timely plays both at the plate and in the field.
[West Virginia Baseball on Twitter] Photo Credit: Big 12 Now on ESPN Plus