Watch: MLB defensive gem only possible because of the splits
The stretch is one of the hallmarks of a good first baseman. They stretch out as far as possible to catch the ball in an effort to beat the runner to the bag.
Sometimes, every inch they can extend themselves counts.
All first baseman stretch to one degree or another, but no one can stretch like Texas Rangers first baseman Ronald Guzman.
On Saturday against the Orioles, Guzman did a complete split to catch the ball milliseconds before the Orioles’ Trey Mancini touches the bag for the third out in the bottom of the 5th.
Take a look, and try not to wince.
No first basemen were harmed in the filming of this video. https://t.co/ju0IplvRmn
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) July 15, 2018
This is not the first time the 23-year-old rookie has displayed his incredible ability to stretch.
He got Oakland’s Matt Chapman earlier this year.
Here he is stretching to try and get the Astros’ Tony Kemp.
Best stretch by a first baseman in baseball right now belongs to Texas' 6'5" Ronald Guzman. pic.twitter.com/Siuk0P2xB1
— Tony Branco (@TonyRBranco) June 9, 2018
Not only has Guzman mastered the stretch, but he’s 6-foot-5, which gives him even more length.
Ronald Guzmán's stretch at first to take away a hit highlights Sunday night's edition of the Jannies: https://t.co/sKS4qnCghm pic.twitter.com/Z6F1FQniar
— JayOnSC (@JayOnSC) June 4, 2018
They call Guzman “The Condor” because of his long wingspan. He is one of the brightest young prospects in the Rangers organization.
In 216 at bats this year, Guzman is hitting .250 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs.
Guzman’s stretch was about the only highlight in the game for Texas, which the Orioles won 1-0.
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