Jason Kipnis is a long time MLB second baseman. But if you watched him play center field in Game 1 of the Cleveland Indians vs. New York Yankees game, you’d think he was a natural outfielder.
Okay, Jason Kipnis. pic.twitter.com/3X4DBdgwQU
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) October 6, 2017
Twitter was in awe of Kipnis after he robbed Chase Headley of extra bases.
WHY ARE YOU PLAYING JASON KIPNIS IN CEN—— pic.twitter.com/7vXWejny47
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) October 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/KLD810/status/916097409180164096
https://twitter.com/BrittanyTong/status/916097407246635008
Kipnis, playing a completely different position, makes a catch like that. My lord😳
— Chad Breznak (@cbrez62) October 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/SpencerJGilmore/status/916097395263528962
Umm Kipnis in center. I'll take it. #RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/5tnGhr3fjA
— danielle (@dannigurls22) October 6, 2017
That catch by #Kipnis in the top of the third to get that first out… THAT IS THE WORK OF GODS! That’s my babe 😍 #baseball #ALDS
— Dani Figliuolo (@dani_figliuolo) October 6, 2017
When a second baseman plays center field and magic happens….Kipnis!! #Indians #Windians #ALDS #RallyTogether
— Bailey Elizabeth Rogers Photography (@BailzElizabeth) October 6, 2017
"That was Kipnis?"
— J.R. probably. pic.twitter.com/eUUCmjmAFK
— Steven R. Walker (@Steve_R_Walker) October 6, 2017
Jason Kipnis pretending he's Superman out in center. #ALDS2017 #Indians pic.twitter.com/QORbcF6K0j
— Matt Higgins (@MattHiggins80) October 6, 2017
Well, not everyone was pleased with Kipnis’ play.
I curse you Kipnis pic.twitter.com/gHcELhx0wc
— Amy (@Miss90s) October 6, 2017
To give you a sense of how great the catch was, it’s one that regular centerfielders fail on far more often than they succeed.
https://twitter.com/statcast/status/916098638346113024
Indeed, that would be a great play from someone like Kevin Kiermaier or Byron Buxton. It just goes to show how versatile and athletic Kipnis is.