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Torii Hunter Has Strong Words About Denzel Clarke’s Absurd Catch

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 7:01 AM ET

The Athletics’ 2025 MLB campaign isn’t much to write home about, but that doesn't mean they don't command attention.

For one, they have a walking highlight machine on the outfield in centerfielder Denzel Clarke, who went viral anew on Monday with a sensational catch that may have been the best so far in the big leagues this year.

In the first inning of the Athletics' game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium, Halos first baseman Nolan Schanuel appeared to have hit his fourth home run of the season off a pitch from Athletics starter Grant Holman. Had it been another outfielder tracking the ball, Schanuel likely would have scored a home run in that play.

But not on Clarke's watch.

The 25-year-old Clarke climbed the wall and somehow caught the ball to deny the Angels a run -- and Schanuel a home run.

After watching Clarke's unreal catch, former Angels star outfielder Torii Hunter gave the Athletics player his flowers.

"This has to be one of the best catches I've ever seen, and I've seen my share of home run robberies," the 49-year-old Hunter shared in a post on X.

This has to be one of the best catches I've ever seen, and I've seen my share of home run robberies. https://t.co/fyaQakOBTv
— Torii Hunter (@toriihunter48) June 10, 2025

As a nine-time Gold Glove winner, Hunter knows a thing or two about robbing home runs and making great defensive plays in the outfield, so what he said speaks volumes about how incredible that catch was.

The Angels got the last laugh in the game, as they scored a 7-4 victory, but the final score will fade in everyone's memory before that of Clarke's highlight grab.

Clarke is hitting just .216 in 2025, but his speed and defense will always keep him an entertaining player to watch. According to Baseball Savant, Clarke is in the 97th percentile in both outs above average (OAA) and sprint speed.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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