Grichuk grab still the buzz in the Rockies' clubhouse; "Greatest play I've ever seen"

It’s been 48 hours since Randal Grichuk pulled back a Corey Seager home run for the final out of the fifth inning.

And yet, the entire clubhouse is still buzzing about the game-saving grab that factored largely in continuing their winning ways.

“All of yesterday or two days ago, I was telling him I think that’s the greatest play I’ve ever seen,” 12-year veteran Charlie Blackmon said of the catch. “Certainly the greatest play I’ve ever been really close to. It was incredible.”

With the Rockies ahead of the Rangers 3-1 at the time of the play, Grichuk single-handedly erased three runs from the board as runners occupied first and second base.

The blast from Seager had an exit velocity of 104.8 mph and traveled an estimated 406 ft, not to mention a .710 expected batting average. But in reality, it was the third out and a highlight on every sports broadcast across the country. 

“Obviously the catch was great, but the reactions of Chuck and Chacín on the mound is really fun to play it back,” commented left fielder Kris Bryant on the moment after the play. “I can’t even open my phone without seeing it on any news outlet.”

Even Denver Broncos’ quarterback Russell Wilson couldn’t resist commenting on the web gem via Twitter.

Game recognize game 🐐🤝 pic.twitter.com/guku7uOvMr

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 13, 2022

Though Grichuk has spent the last four seasons in the American League, he hasn’t had much experience playing in the confines of Globe Life Field in Texas.

Built in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the typical schedule and travel routine for clubs visiting the Arlington facility. Instead of numerous games familiarizing himself with the contours of the Rangers’ outfield, Grichuk had played just two games in center field going into the series. 

Despite this lack of familiarity, the 30-year-old made a stupendous play akin to that of an experienced Gold Glove Award winner.

“I never thought he had a chance,” Blackmon remarked of the improbable grab. “That ball was hit really good… It started coming down, and I was like, ‘That ball’s gonna go over the fence.’”

Even those who weren’t on the field at the time couldn’t help but react to the play.

“That was amazing. I was in the cage when he did that, so I didn’t see it,” Yonathan Daza shared. “I was getting ready in the cages for whatever would happen next. But I saw that play and, man, that was amazing. Good for him.”

Even after earning the MVP chain with that stupendous snag, manager Bud Black moved Grichuk to right field as Daza went to center as a defensive upgrade for the ninth inning.

On Thursday, Grichuk was not in the starting lineup for the first game of a four-game set against the Chicago Cubs.

But you know what they say, “Winning cures everything.”

Right now, Grichuk and the Colorado Rockies are feeling quite good.