Denzel Clarke: WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017 star stuns MLB with amazing defensive play
The Oakland A's of Major League Baseball (MLB) No. 6 prospect Denzel Clarke made the highlight reels worldwide with an unbelievable catch on Monday, June 9, at the Angels Stadium in Los Angeles. In the bottom of the first, Nolan Schanuel thought he had scored one for his Angels and couldn't believe when Clarke climbed the outfield wall to rob him of a home run.
It was first play of the game for Clarke, who starred for Canada at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017, where he deservedly was named the Outstanding Defensive Player of the tournament.
"I always say the first play in my first time playing a new ballpark is going to break the ice," Clarke told reporters after the game at Angels Stadium. "A crazy play to break the ice."
MLB.com beat reporter Martin Gallegos, who nicknamed Clarke Spider-Man, wrote that the outfielder has a routine "designed to familiarise himself with each new ballpark he plays in. Before the first game of each road series, Clarke goes to the outfield during batting practice and works on timing his steps from the warning track to the wall. This helps calculate the distance of space available whenever he needs to chase down a deep drive."
Clarke made his MLB debut on May 23, three weeks after his 25th birthday. He hit his first home run in Toronto, the city where he was born, on May 31.
Clarke's accomplishment came as no surprise to Baseball Canada who showcased Clarke's exploits at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017.
The New York Mets drafted Clarke in 2018, but he decided not to sign and committed to California State University, Northridge.
He received a new chance in 2021, when the Oakland A's drafted him in the fourth round.
Clarke made his professional debut the same summer, competing in seven games at the rookie level. In 2022, he played 42 games at the Class A level and 51 at the Class A Advanced level. He played 64 games at Double-A in 2023, missing the second part of the season with a shoulder injury. He returned to his best form in 2024 and competed in 116 games at Double-A. Clarke started the 2025 season at Triple-A and was promoted to the Big Leagues after 31 games. He has played in 17 games as of June 10, starting 16, all at centre field.
Denzel Clarke represented Canada at the World Baseball Classic 2023.