Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith hit a ball that regarded like a surefire house run, however former Dodger Trayce Thompson ended up making a formidable leaping catch.
Smith is with Crew USA, serving because the backup catcher to the Seattle Mariners’ Cal Reilgh, although Smith received the beginning nod on Saturday towards Nice Britain, who has Thompson taking part in in proper area.
Within the backside of the second inning, Smith linked with a 92 mph fastball, hitting it at 97.8 mph off the bat.
The ball ended up touring 344 toes, wanting prefer it was going to clear the wall, when Thompson rose up and made contact with it, holding on to it firmly.
Smith just isn’t the one Dodgers participant on Crew USA, because the legendary Clayton Kershaw can be on the squad in what’s going to possible be his final time pitching.
Earlier than the beginning of the event, Smith mirrored on what it might be wish to have Kershaw on the group, offering veteran management and expertise, in addition to the power to maintain runs off the board if referred to as upon.
“I do know he’s enthusiastic about it,” Smith mentioned. “I’m excited he’s gonna have the ability to be part of us. I do know he was bummed he couldn’t final time, so it’ll be, you already know, a extremely cool expertise for him and me. Yeah, making an attempt to win a gold medal.”
Trayce Thompson’s profession
Thompson is elegible for the Nice Britan squad as a result of his father’s Bahamian nationality. Mychal, his father, is a former Los Angeles Lakers participant.
Trayce spent years inside the Dodgers group, serving up electrical moments on the plate and within the outfield, however failing to seek out any consistency and finally bouncing across the league.
He lasted performed on the Boston Purple Sox, collaborating of their Spring Coaching squad after which taking part in for his or her Triple-A affiliate.
He hit .226/.312/.405 in Triple-A with 13 house runs earlier than electing free company, the place he stays now.
“I like the sport, No. 1,” Thompson mentioned. “No. 2, I really feel that I’m nonetheless athletically succesful, and I nonetheless have the vitality.
“The battery remains to be charged to maintain going. I nonetheless have the fervour to see my potential by means of. I by no means had a stretch the place I’ve been glad. I don’t assume I ever will till I’m carried out taking part in.”
Thompson, on the age of 34, is probably going his final severe likelihood to impress different MLB groups.
