SI

Mets Catcher Francisco Alvarez Makes Ridiculous Throw to First After Passed Ball

Francisco Alvarez is more than just a slugger.

Dan Gartland

Mets Catcher Francisco Alvarez Makes Ridiculous Throw to First After Passed Ball
Mets Catcher Francisco Alvarez Makes Ridiculous Throw to First After Passed Ball /
In this story:

The Mets’ Francisco Alvarez is quickly becoming one of the best catchers in the majors. Known primarily for his power hitting (he has 15 home runs this season, tied for the most in the majors by a catcher), he’s also a good defensive player. He’s ranked 10th in framing according to Baseball Savant and 14th in Baseball Prospectus’s catcher defense metric. 

Not a fan of advanced stats, though? Just check out this play Alvarez made in Wednesday night’s win over the Diamondbacks. 

On an 0–2 count, Mets pitcher Kodai Senga threw one of his unhittable “ghost fork” pitches in the dirt. Evan Longoria swung and missed, but the ball got past Alvarez and rolled all the way to the backstop. Alvarez chased it down and made a great off-balance throw to first to record the out. 

That’s a really outstanding play. The way Alvarez was able to slide to grab the ball and make a strong, accurate throw to first while his momentum carried him the other way is fantastic. Longoria might have been safe if he had started running to first immediately instead of dejectedly starting to make his way to the dugout, but at least his confusion gave Alvarez a chance to make a memorable play. 

Alvarez made an even more memorable play later in the game. On a full count with two outs in the ninth and the Mets trailing 1–0, he hit a game-tying home run to keep his team alive. Later in that inning, Mark Canha drove home Brett Baty to take the lead and New York hung on to win its fourth in a row. 

Fans were in awe of that throw to first: 

Published
Dan Gartland
DAN GARTLAND

Dan Gartland is the writer and editor of Sports Illustrated’s flagship daily newsletter, SI:AM, covering everything an educated sports fan needs to know. He joined the SI staff in 2014, having previously been published on Deadspin and Slate. Gartland, a graduate of Fordham University, is a former Sports Jeopardy! champion (Season 1, Episode 5).

Home/Extra Mustard