ST. PETERSBURG -- Chandler Simpson’s elite speed led to a couple of eventful moments in the first couple of innings for the Rays in World Series Game 3 against the Brewers on Monday night at Tropicana Field.
There was one moment he’d probably like to forget, and another that he’ll think about fondly for many years.
In the bottom of the first inning, Simpson reached on a fielder’s choice groundout and then tried to steal second base with two outs. Running at 30.5 feet per second -- 30 feet per second is considered elite -- Simpson beat catcher William Contreras’ throw to the bag, but his momentum as he slid carried him past the base, and he was tagged out by second baseman Brice Turang to end the frame.
Simpson redeemed himself in the top of the second inning, however. With one out and a runner on first, Brewers right fielder Sal Frelick lined a ball to left, which sent Simpson racing toward the short wall near the foul line. One of the fastest players in the sport, Simpson was able to catch up to Frelick’s fly ball and made a leaping grab -- just before he smacked into the wall.
Simpson fell to the ground and was momentarily shaken up, but he was able to get the ball back into the infield and remained in the game.
“I was heading toward the wall, knew I was going to have to make a leaping catch," Simpson said during an in-game interview on the FOX broadcast. "I was trying to get a glove on it, and I’m glad I was able to corral it in.”
Before the end of the second inning, Simpson had already left his mark on Game 3.
“It didn’t feel too good, but, I mean, it feels a little better now that I know I made the catch,” Simpson said.