Back in Time Today
Explore the world of Major League Baseball where physics seems to take a backseat to raw athleticism and talent. The following list chronicles some of the most incredible outfield throws in MLB history that left fans, announcers, and even players in awe.
Each throw is a testament to the sheer power and precision that these athletes possess, often turning the tide of a game with a single, breathtaking play.
1. Ramón Laureano (Oakland Athletics, 2018)
Ramón Laureano’s throw in 2018 remains etched in the memory of baseball fans. Racing to deep left-center, he snagged the ball at the wall and, without hesitation, launched a rocket to first base. This play, estimated at over 91 mph, defied conventional baseball wisdom and resulted in a stunning double play. Laureano’s throw wasn’t just about distance; it was a display of raw power and pinpoint accuracy. This moment, a true feat of athleticism and skill, became an instant classic, prompting cheers of disbelief and admiration from everyone who witnessed it.
2. Yasiel Puig (Los Angeles Dodgers, 2013)
In 2013, Yasiel Puig made headlines with a throw that announced his arrival in the MLB with authority. Known as the “Puig Cannon,” his throw from right field to third base left spectators and players alike stunned. The ball traveled over 250 feet at a velocity reported over 95 mph, nailing the runner in a display of raw power. This play during his MLB debut week marked the beginning of Puig’s reputation for extraordinary outfield strength and accuracy, forever cementing his nickname and setting the stage for a thrilling career.
3. Bo Jackson (Kansas City Royals, 1989)
Bo Jackson’s legendary throw in 1989 is a tale of mythic proportions. Positioned in deep left field, Jackson launched the ball over 300 feet, directly to home plate, eliminating Harold Reynolds without a single bounce. This throw was a vivid demonstration of Jackson’s unparalleled athletic prowess, often described as superhuman. Many fans still regard this as one of the greatest throws in baseball history, symbolizing Jackson’s unique blend of strength, speed, and precision that few have matched on the field.
4. Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners, 2001)
Ichiro Suzuki’s 2001 throw from the right field line to third base was a masterclass in precision and strength. Taking place in Oakland against Terrence Long, the ball seemed to defy physics, traveling over 250 feet with pinpoint accuracy. Mariners fans fondly recall this play as “The Throw,” a moment that etched Ichiro’s defensive prowess into the annals of baseball legend. His ability to combine speed with accuracy shocked the baseball world, marking him as one of the premier outfielders of his era.
5. Yoenis Céspedes (Oakland Athletics, 2014)
In 2014, Yoenis Céspedes executed a throw that transcended mere athletic ability. Off-balance and from foul territory, his laser from left field to home plate caught everyone by surprise. The ball traveled around 300 feet with a velocity in the mid-90s mph range, beating the runner by several steps. This zero-hop throw became an iconic moment in his career, showcasing his extraordinary arm strength and precision under pressure. Fans and commentators alike were left in awe of Céspedes’s sheer talent and determination.
6. José Guillén (Colorado Rockies, 1998)
José Guillén’s 1998 throw from the RF corner at Coors Field remains a testament to his raw arm strength. Without the aid of a crow hop, Guillén’s arm launched the ball over 300 feet straight to third base, catching the runner off-guard. This throw highlighted his ability to harness raw power with astonishing accuracy. Fans remember this as a defining moment in Guillén’s career, reflecting the unique talent that set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
7. Hunter Renfroe (San Diego Padres, 2019)
In 2019, Hunter Renfroe showcased his defensive prowess with an unbelievable throw from the right-field foul pole to third base. This play resulted in a direct tag-out, demonstrating Renfroe’s exceptional arm strength and accuracy. With minimal reaction time, the ball stayed on a straight path, making it an unforgettable highlight. Such precision under pressure is a testament to Renfroe’s talent, leaving both fans and players astounded by his ability to deliver in critical moments.
8. Vladimir Guerrero Sr. (Montreal Expos, 2001)
Vladimir Guerrero Sr.’s 2001 throw from right field to third base was a showcase of his sheer arm power. Picking up the ball off the ground, Guerrero still managed to fire a missile over 300 feet, nailing the runner with precision. This play is often cited as evidence of Guerrero’s raw, natural talent and one of the purest outfield arms in MLB history. Fans still talk about this moment, highlighting his ability to make seemingly impossible plays look routine.
9. Mookie Betts (Boston Red Sox, 2015)
Mookie Betts’s 2015 throw from deep right field to third base was clocked at an impressive 96 mph. This play showcased Betts’s elite athleticism and control, surprising even the runner. Known for his defensive prowess, Betts’s throw added another highlight to his growing list of accomplishments. The precision and speed of this throw exemplified his remarkable skill set, earning admiration and respect from fans and players alike. Such moments have helped define Betts’s career as one of excellence and impact.
10. Aaron Hicks (New York Yankees, 2016)
Aaron Hicks broke records in 2016 with a throw that reached a staggering velocity of 105.5 mph. Though not the longest, this throw gunned down a runner at home, highlighting Hicks’s exceptional arm strength. Statcast verified this as the hardest recorded outfield throw in MLB history. This moment solidified Hicks’s place in baseball lore, exemplifying how power and precision can change the course of a game in an instant. Fans and analysts alike marveled at his ability to defy the odds with such a display.