Watch: Denzel Clarke's incredible wall grab best home run steal ever in MLB history

Ballpark silence turned to roar on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Oakland Athletics rookie outfielder Denzel Clarke stunned everyone with a catch that saved an almost certain home run.

What happened next left fans and announcers stunned and the replay went viral. Here is how Clarke pulled off one of the most jaw‑dropping defensive plays you’ll see all year.

Denzel Clarke robs Nolan Schanuel of a long home run

In the very first inning of the Athletics vs. Reds game on June 10, 2025, Denzel Clarke tracked a soaring hit from Nolan Schanuel, first baseman for the Los Angeles Angels. Schanuel launched it deep toward center field Statcast showed it was headed 398 feet, clearly over the wall.

But Clarke raced back, timed his leap perfectly, scaled the wall, and grabbed the ball mid-flight before crashing back into the field.

Home plate umpire and broadcasters were speechless. Clarke then flexed in celebration, fully aware of the play’s magnitude . Reds pitcher and teammates looked on in amazement, hands over their heads. This catch added to another spectacular game‑saving play he made just two weeks earlier at Rogers Centre, where he robbed a potential homer from the Blue Jays’ Alejandro Kirk .

Also Read: Why playing away from home is costing the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays more than wins

Denzel Clarke’s rookie record continues to shine

This home run robbery came during Clarke’s 16th MLB game after debuting with the Oakland Athletics on May 23, 2025 . Before this game, he was hitting .216 with one home run and three RBIs, but it’s his defense that’s grabbing attention.Clarke’s early career is showing what scouts once praised: speed, raw power, and outstanding field instincts. Before joining the majors, he dazzled fans in the minors robbing home runs in November 2024 with Mesa and again in spring training against the Blue Jays .

Observers have compared his athleticism to that of Bo Jackson and suggest he could become a future Gold Glove candidate .After the game, Clarke said he replayed the catch on the stadium video board to check his route and timing, showing how seriously he takes his game . His signature catch is already trending online, with highlights being shared widely on Reddit and Twitter sports threads.Denzel Clarke’s catch not only turned the game around but it also put a serious spotlight on his bright future in baseball. As the A’s continue their season, fans are excited to see what more this rookie phenom will do, both with his bat and in center field.