He had it in his glove and it would go down as one of the greatest catches in MLB history.
Unfortunately for the Boston Red Sox, Will Abreu’s attempt to block a home run by New York Yankees infielder Oswaldo Cabrera was unsuccessful as the ball would not stay in the outfielder’s glove.
In the top of the second inning at Fenway Park in Boston, Cabrera hit a ball deep into right field off Red Sox starting pitcher Cutter Crawford.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE FOXNEWS.COM
Boston Red Sox right fielder Willy Abreu makes a jump catch of a home run hit by New York Yankees third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera in the top of the second inning at Fenway Park. (Gregory Fisher/USA Today Sports)
Abreu followed the ball the whole way and sprinted back as he approached the 380-foot marker on the short wall.
The ball looked destined to fly out of the yard, but it was a literal leap of faith as Abreu leapt into the air and never took his eye off the ball.
As the ball came down, it landed in Abreu’s glove, but his body slammed into the seats behind the wall. Abreu’s feet went flying into the air, but the live broadcast showed him raising his glove in the air and making what appeared to be the catch of the year.
Yankees acquire Marlins All-Star Jazz Chisholm Jr. in blockbuster trade
But when Abreu opened his glove, there was nothing there. The effort was all for naught as Cabrera rounded the bases and the Yankees took a 4-3 lead against their division rivals.
Further investigation revealed that Abreu did indeed have the ball in his leather glove, but upon contact with the seats, the ball flew out, sending his hand and wrist crashing into the row behind him.
Boston Red Sox right fielder Willy Abreu rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the top of the first inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. (Gregory Fisher/USA Today Sports)
The Red Sox were worried that Abreu had been hurt after sacrificing his body to make a play, and all Abreu was worried about was his inability to keep the ball in his glove.
Still, Boston fans roared for Abreu’s efforts, and his attempt to block the home run drew praise on social media.
“I give huge kudos to Willier Abreu for this effort,” MLB Network contributor Jared Carabis posted to X. “He caught the ball, and it came off as he hit the seats. That was probably one of the best catches I’ve ever seen.”
Abreu knows the play will always be accompanied by the word “almost,” but he also hit a solo home run to put the Red Sox up three runs in the bottom of the first inning and tie the game.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Willy Abreu enters the dugout before a game against the Miami Marlins at LawnDepot Park on July 3, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Peter Johnrate/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Click here to get the FOX News app
Abreu, a 5-foot-10 outfielder from Venezuela, was batting .266/.327/.477 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs in 77 games played through Saturday.
Follow Fox News Digital X’s sports coverage,subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
