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Somehow, Yadier Molina Held On To The Ball After This Collision (Video)

Catchers have thick skin — it comes with the territory of playing the gruffest position in baseball. But they also have thick equipment, and that comes with the territory of occasionally having to absorb a hit at home plate in the name of saving face (and a run) for your team. Yadier Molina did that Tuesday night, straining his upper back, shoulder, and neck in the process.

Somehow, when the Pirates’ Josh Harrison barreled into Molina, Yadier came out the other side with the ball intact. Now, Molina comes from a strong catching pedigree and is currently regarded as one of the best, offensively and defensively, in the game today. But forget skills and tangibles, you’ve just gotta flat out have balls to absorb a hit like that and manage to hold on to the ball. And give it up for Harrison, who stuck around to see if Molina would be OK, and applauded him from the dugout when he got to his feet.

If big baseball hits like this have you excited for football season, you’re not the only one. Meanwhile, let’s wish Yadier a quick recovery, and thank that equipment of his for making sure he still has a literal head on his shoulders.

[MLB]

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