For Pete's Sake

Royals minor-league pitcher gets wild, unlikely out. ‘You got everything on that play’

Tuesday was a weird day up and down the Royals organization.

First baseman Carlos Santana was ruled out on a strange interference call against the Angels. Top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. was called out for not stepping on home plate — after hitting a home run for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

But the most bizarre play happened in Triple-A Omaha’s game at St. Paul.

Pitcher Gabe Speier attempted to backhand a line drive. The ball was hit so hard it knocked Speier’s glove off his hand and into the air. The ball came out of the glove and Speier located it, grabbed it off the bounce and thew to first to get the out.

“Couldn’t do it again if he tried,” one announcer said. The other broadcaster added: “You got everything on that play.”

Indeed, this play was unlike any you’ve probably seen:

Add this to the oddities of the night: Storm Chasers announcer Jake Eisenberg caught a foul ball while broadcasting the game:

This story was originally published June 9, 2021 at 10:00 AM.

Pete Grathoff
The Kansas City Star
From covering the World Series to the World Cup, Pete Grathoff has done a little bit of everything since joining The Kansas City Star in 1997.
Sports Pass is your ticket to Kansas City sports
#ReadLocal

Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Kansas City area sports - only $1 a month

VIEW OFFER