Brewers outfielder Keon Broxton is MLB's most thrilling home run thief
Keon Broxton is making a strong case to stick around in the Milwaukee Brewers crowded outfield.
Recalled recently to help fill in for injured regulars Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich, Broxton has made an impact at the plate with a pair of home runs, and in the field with a series of highlight-reel catches. That includes what proved to be a game-saving home run robbery in Milwaukee’s 3-2 win against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday.
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Broxton took to the air to rob Minnesota’s Brian Dozier of what would have been a solo home run in the ninth inning. The sensational catch required a well-timed, Superman-type leap from the athletic outfielder. The result of which brought Miller Park to its feet.
At the time, Milwaukee closer Corey Knebel was attempting to protect a two-run lead. Broxton’s grab loomed large, because the following batter, Eduardo Escobar, would launch a solo blast that cut Milwaukee’s lead to one. Knebel would retire Max Kepler two batters later to preserve the win and preserve rookie Nate Orf’s Hollywood moment. But just as much credit goes to Broxton.
Of course, dramatic home run-robbing catches are nothing new to Broxton.
As ESPN Stats and Info points out, Broxton has now robbed three homers in the ninth inning or later since his rookie season of 2016. During that same time, no other player has more than one such home run stealing grab.
Most impressively, each of Broxton’s home run-robbing catches has proven to be a game saver. We’ve already talked plenty about Wednesday’s. On Aug. 30, 2017, Broxton made a game-ending catch to rob then St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Randal Grichuk of a go-ahead homer at Miller Park. On Sept. 7, 2016, he did the same thing to Chicago Cubs slugger Anthony Rizzo.
Broxton might not have the equity of other more established Gold Glove-winning outfielders, such as Mike Trout. But he certainly boasts quality with layers of drama on top. Because of the timing of his best defensive gems, we feel comfortable anointing Broxton as MLB’s most dramatic and thrilling home run thief.
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