The MLB plays about 5,000 games every single year. Of course, we’re going to have plenty that stand out from the rest due to individual performances and epic comebacks. That’s what the sport is all about!
Below, we’ve listed the top five plays of 2023. Maybe one of them helped bettors cash a ticket at one of the top MLB betting sites like Bovada (check our Bovada Review).
5. Matt Olson’s 52nd Home Run on September 16
On September 16, Atlanta’s Matt Olson hit his 52nd home run of the season for the Braves. Olson was signed as a replacement for Freddie Freeman a couple of years ago and has been everything that the Braves could’ve hoped for. The 52nd home run was the most in Braves single-season history. However, he didn’t hit a home run in any game after this one. It’s still an amazing feat from an amazing player.
4. Shohei Ohtani’s One-Hit Shutout on July 27
We won’t see Shohei Ohtani with the Los Angeles Angels anymore. He has signed with the cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. But his memories with the Angels will live on forever.
Ohtani threw a one-hit shutout against the Detroit Tigers on July 27 in the first game of a doubleheader. It was his first career shutout after he pitched all nine innings in the 6-0 win. However, in the second game, Ohtani hit a home run. He became the first player ever to throw a shutout in one game and hit a home run in the other of a doubleheader.
Ohtani won’t be able to pitch in 2024. However, once his elbow improves, he’s going to be just as exciting pitching as he has been hitting. This was quite the moment.
3. Ronald Acuna Made History With 30+ Home Runs & 60+ Stolen Bases In Same Season on August 31
On August 31, Ronald Acuna made history with his 30th home run of the MLB season.
Acuna already had 60 stolen bases at this time. But he nailed a home run against the Dodgers to earn this feat before the calendar even hit September. That home run gave the Braves a 5-1 lead over the Dodgers in a big matchup between two of the best teams in the National League.
Meanwhile, we should also give a special shoutout to Julio Rodriguez. He added 30+ home runs and 30+ stolen bases on September 11 and became the fourth player in the MLB to ever record these numbers at age 22 or younger.
2. Jose Altuve Hits Third Home Run In The Third Inning on September 5
Jose Altuve became the third player in the MLB to hit a home run in each of the first three innings of a game. But the most fascinating thing about this was that Altuve also batted in the ninth inning of the game before that and hit a home run. Therefore, he technically had four home runs in four consecutive innings for the Astros.
1. Michael Harris Robbed Kyle Schwarber!
Many times, ridiculous catches go unnoticed. The best plays are typically the ones that mean the most.
We talked about all of the plays that led to extreme accolades. However, Michael Harris’ play in center field was certainly the best play in the field this season. Kyle Schwarber hit a long fly ball to deep center field. Harris got a little late break on the ball but got to the fence in time to rob Schwarber of a home run.
Eventually, Harris timed the ball perfectly and grabbed the ball while looking at the wall. He wasn’t even turned around to see the ball in front of him. It was a remarkable play by one of the best center fields in the game. While hitting the wall, Harris’ glove went over the wall but he secured the ball and made sure that he got the out.
Fans at the stadium even thought the ball was out of the yard. But Harris grabbed the ball in the air and started celebrating without even showing the ball to the umpires or fans. Starting pitcher Spencer Strider went up to him in the dugout to thank him for saving his ERA. It was a magical play by Michael Harris that deserves the most recognition for the best play of the year in the MLB.
