Terry McGuirk Chairman | Atlanta Braves Website
Terry McGuirk Chairman | Atlanta Braves Website
On Sunday, during the Braves' 6-0 victory over the Phillies at Truist Park, first baseman Matt Olson demonstrated that behind-the-back plays are not solely within the domain of pitchers. With one out in the sixth inning and a 5-0 lead for the Braves, Brandon Marsh hit a ground ball towards first base. The ball had an exit velocity of 68.3 mph and seemed destined to go foul but remained fair.
Olson, despite slightly overrunning the ball, managed to execute a behind-the-back stop and then flipped it to pitcher Reynaldo López for the out. The Braves’ broadcasters reacted with astonishment, exclaiming, “What?! How did he do that? A little Houdini trick for Matt Olson over there at first base.”
Olson is recognized as a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, which perhaps explains his ability to make such remarkable plays appear routine.
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