Clemson's Cam Cannarella had the baseball world in awe with his season-saving Willie Mays-esque catch in CF
Clemson sophomore Cam Cannarella is already looking like one of the brighter prospects in college baseball, but if the 20-year-old decided to call it a career after Sunday’s game, nobody would blame him. It was a game that simply cannot be topped.
Cannarella’s epic afternoon got going when he crushed a game-tying, three-run home run in the ninth inning of the Tigers’ Super Regional matchup with Florida. The Gators had taken Game 1 of the best-of-three series, so Cannarella’s home run was as clutch as it gets to keep the season alive. I mean, just check out that atmosphere Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
It was absolutely electric.
"Oh my."
Down 9-6 in the 9th, Cam Cannarella jacks a three-run homer to tie it up for Clemson. pic.twitter.com/l31j52I0ud
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 9, 2024
Cannarella wasn’t done with his clutch performance, though.
With Florida threatening in the bottom of the 10th inning and two on, the Gators’ Ashton Wilson ripped a line drive to straightaway center field. And with Cannarella’s uncertain route to the baseball, it looked like Wilson had just sent the Gators to Omaha. That was until this happened:
PLAY OF THE YEAR BY @CAMCANNARELLA!!!!!
https://t.co/ozP6rh44g0 pic.twitter.com/9hvFE4gt3J
— Clemson Baseball (@ClemsonBaseball) June 9, 2024
Cannarella caught up with the baseball and made a leaping over-the-shoulder catch to end the inning. It was shades of Willie Mays and honestly one of the more difficult catches you’ll see an outfielder make. The fact that the catch saved Clemson’s season made it even more astonishing.
Baseball fans were in awe of the remarkable catch.
This was how Twitter/X reacted
After hitting the game tying HR to save the season
Every year I’m reminded how much I love college baseball https://t.co/LxayInwLeM
— Natalie Bode (@nataliedbode) June 9, 2024
All things considered might be best play ever seen at college level https://t.co/60ZCfoRUub
— bryce stein (@brycestein34) June 9, 2024
What an absolute MONSTER play. Season on the line, the game is over if this ball isn't caught. 110% effort and put his body on the line. Championship play right here. WOW #cws https://t.co/y1anc8HND2
— Coach Ben
(@bendearth) June 9, 2024
One of the best catches I’ve ever seen. Saved their season. https://t.co/oo3qNQVXyB
— Marty Maciaszek (@martymaciaszek) June 9, 2024
To make this catch knowing if you miss the season is done? This is incredible.https://t.co/dMKDLpMi3U
— Zach Staton (@ZStatonSports) June 9, 2024
AND THEN HE DID THIS!?!?!?!?!?!?pic.twitter.com/A8ZuEbFIbR https://t.co/gAJAmzSFyE
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) June 9, 2024
One of the best plays I’ve ever seen in my life https://t.co/ma6E0qCtHa
— butta (@45reyan) June 9, 2024
I’m not kidding when I say this:
Find me a better catch in baseball history given difficulty, score, and situation. https://t.co/H00hhlThdW
— William Qualkinbush (@QualkTalk) June 9, 2024
This is one of the best catches you’ll ever see. Of all time.
Especially with what was on the line. Unbelievable https://t.co/qIw90tSWJQ
— brett (@Rennermbrett) June 9, 2024