Detroit Tigers Top 10 Most Memorable Moments of 2016

10. Ian Kinsler drops an easy pop-up

On April 17, the best second baseman in the game missed an easy pop-up, on purpose. Kinsler showed off his baseball intelligence in a game against the Houston Astros. Colby Rasmus was on first base and Tyler White hit a light pop-up that went over Kinsler. Fortunately, Kinsler was aware that Rasmus was a faster baserunner than White. So, Kinsler simply let the ball drop right to the ground. He picked it up and threw out Rasmus as second. This allowed White to reach first base safely.

This moment was memorable simply because it was so unexpected. At first, it seemed like Kinsler made an unforgivable mistake. No one could believe he just dropped an easy popup that most Little Leaguers could catch. Then, the brillance of it emerged. It was such quick thinking by Kinsler. This moment might have helped Kinsler finally get the Gold Glove award that he has deserved for years.

The moment was shocking for the Astros and the umpires, who had to take a few moments to discuss what actually happened. What was so confusing about the play was that odd “infield-fly” rule. But, the rule is only in effect if there are runners on first and second base.