Normally when I see a Major League Ballplayer keep a home run from leaving the yard, I get excited. I become a kid again in that very moment, thinking that the fielder in question is Superman. It’s a weird thing to say, I know; but there’s just something about the ‘home run robbery’ that really makes the game of baseball feel even more special.

That was…..until I saw this.

AIR JACKSON pic.twitter.com/0nkF2UmQrt

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) June 30, 2025

Jackson Merrill, for those of you who are unaware, is the star center fielder for the San Diego Padres.The 22-year old from Baltimore, Maryland has had a rocket strapped to his backside ever since he entered the league, posting an overall stat-line through 207 games consisting of;

751 AB, 29 HR, 116 RBI, .293 BA, .333 OBP, .487 SLG

He is a 1x All-Star, a Silver Slugger recipient, and someone who is POISED to become a superstar in this league within the next 5 years. But yesterday, when it comes to his “unbelievable” catch in the bottom of the 3rd inning against the Philadelphia Phillies……let’s just say I didn’t find it as “impressive” as the rest of the internet did.

That had to be the most boring home run robbery that I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Sure, he was able to save a run for his team and get out of the inning. But for some reason, various news outlets like ESPN as well as fans across the internet made it out to be something “special.” Something “out of the ordinary,” that we should all be bending over backwards to watch.

But it just…..wasn’t……that interesting. I mean, just think about it; the 6’3″ Jackson Merrill took what was basically a LONG routine flyout, and turned it into something that you’d see on ESPN’s Top 10. He sprung up against that minuscule barrier, easily extended his arm above it, and completed a rather simple catch in front of the trees in center field.

Now, for the record; did he still have to get to the spot to make the catch? Absolutely! Did he have to have the necessary athleticism to spring up and make the grab? You know it! But besides all of that…..I can’t really see why people are making a big deal about it. I feel like any center fielder in the league can make that kind of a grab.

I could be wrong. I am human, and even though it doesn’t happen often…..I am wrong from time to time. But in the end, as always….what do I know? I’m just a guy from the Midwest, with a beer and a laptop, trying to make sense of this world.