Puerto Rico prevailed over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic Pool F opener on Tuesday night by the score of 3-1, as noted in our daily WBC roundup. There were a number of noteworthy moments from this one, but what still stands out is the shot-out-of-cannon throw by Yadier Molina in the eighth and the no-look tag by Javier Baez. Have a look ...
Yep, thatâs a Cardinals stalwart and a Cubs young up-and-comer collaborating on a moment we wonât soon forget. As for the play itself, thatâs a beautiful throw by Molina (who also homered and notched an RBI single in this game), and that 1.87 pop-time is elite even by major-league standards. Itâs a strobe-lit reminder that Molina is one of the greatest defensive catchers ever to play the game -- and that throwing arm is just one facet of his excellence behind the plate.
Also, note the tag by Javier Baez ...
Tag THEN celebrate?
— MLB (@MLB) March 15, 2017
Way too basic for @Javy23Baez. #WBC2017pic.twitter.com/d0o3t60EIJ
All right, my man. Note two things about the tag above: 1) Baez is celebrating the out before the ball even gets to him, and 2) he applies the tag in no-look fashion.
Obviously, this is not in keeping with notions of sound baseball fundamentals. On that front, I turn to the baseball thoughts of a certain handsome kickboxer ...
Baez would've looked a fool had he missed the tag or dropped the ball. But he did not miss the tag or drop the ball; thus it was awesome.
— Dayn Perry (@daynperry) March 15, 2017
Yes, Baez took a risk and perhaps momentary leave of his senses, but by darn it worked and we were greatly entertained as a result. By way of reminder, baseball is entertainment, not a vessel for religious solemnity. This play, your scribe declares, was fun in part because of Baezâs display of confidence.
That said, let us give a nod to inconvenient interpretations of the moment ...
OK I am now trying to watch this frame by frame and yes it is entirely possible he missed the tag hahahaha weeeee. https://t.co/VycEu0G2iI
— Mike Duncan (@mikeduncan) March 15, 2017
You can have that alternate reality. I choose not to live in it.
Out, is the umpireâs call. Out, is also the peopleâs call.