Did Todd Frazier Bamboozle Us With His Spectacular Catch?

by Nick Giacone September 05, 2018

During Monday's 4-2 victory over the Dodgers, Mets fans were treated to one of the finest defensive plays of the year. Mets Third Baseman Todd Frazier chased an Alex Verdugo pop-up into the stands to make a highlight reel of a catch:

.@FlavaFraz21 flips into the stands to make an amazing catch pic.twitter.com/QZyPkbtYnY
— SportsNet New York (@SNYtv) September 4, 2018

But if you were watching Tuesday night’s game, SNY's Steve Gelbs dropped a report to rain on the Toddfather’s parade:

.@SteveGelbs reveals the TRUTH behind the @FlavaFraz21 diving “catch” on Monday. Video don’t lie! pic.twitter.com/P4a1gBQIXe
— SportsNet New York (@SNYtv) September 5, 2018

Gelbs reported that although Frazier’s play appeared to be a sensational grab, he did not actually make the catch. According to Gelbs, Frazier appeared to make the catch before flipping over into the stands and then subsequently dropped the ball. Frazier’s impact caused a rubber baseball to fall out of a fan's bag, which Frazier then grabbed on the ground and then showed to the ump. The umpire called the out and Frazier casually tossed the rubber ball back into the stands.

It’s a nice effort by Frazier either way, but Gelbs’ report brings up a few points of discussion...

1. Why would the Mets rat themselves out here? Sure, the game is done and past the point of any reversals, but it’s not a good look. Perhaps they knew the story would come out and they wanted to get ahead of it? Deny ‘til you die!

2. It makes for a clever story, but where’s the real proof? Sure, Gelbs has questionable video evidence, but it’s less than compelling. Is there a fan video of Todd switching the balls? Footage of someone squeezing the rubber ball in question? No? Then don’t mind me, I’ll just keep living my life thinking the Toddfather made the catch of the season.

3. If said fakery did occur, great acting job by Frazier! The combination of holding up of the rubber ball, getting the call from the ump, and then casually tossing the rubber ball back to the stand deserves a Daytime Emmy. Smooth move, Todd!

Todd is supposedly going to address the play with the media later:

Todd Frazier says he will talk about his fake catch tomorrow. Fact the Mets lost didn't make tonight the time to talk about it.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) September 5, 2018

Catch or not, the play in question makes for a great highlight. It’s a shame that when all is said and done it may be a farce. Regardless, good on Frazier for either making the catch or pulling off enough charades to make it appear so.