You’ve seen it before—that heart-stopping moment when two players converge on a fly ball, eyes skyward, oblivious to the impending collision. In Major League Baseball, the outfield isn’t just a place for spectacular catches; it’s where careers can change in an instant.
Outfield collisions happen when communication fails and instinct takes over. Two players, both trained to catch anything they can reach, track the same ball with tunnel vision. The results? About as pretty as someone wearing socks with sandals to a black-tie dinner.
18. Jeremy Pena and Yordan Alvarez: Minute Maid Miscommunication
On June 29, 2022, catastrophe struck at Minute Maid Park when Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena and left fielder Yordan Alvarez converged on a popup. Neither called the other off. Pena crashed into Alvarez in shallow left field, striking his teammate’s face with considerable force. The sickening impact silenced the crowd of 28,143 fans faster than someone announcing they’ve brought their homemade fruitcake to the holiday party.
Alvarez immediately clutched his head while medical staff rushed to assist. The collision resulted in Alvarez entering concussion protocol, sidelining him for five games during a crucial stretch of Houston’s season. This incident highlighted the importance of clear communication between infielders and outfielders on popup plays.
17. CJ Abrams and Jurickson Profar: Padres’ Double Disaster
On April 13, 2022, the San Diego Padres witnessed what happens when making the play trumps personal safety. Shortstop CJ Abrams and left fielder Jurickson Profar both pursued a shallow popup with determination. Abrams secured the catch but his cleats struck Profar in the process. Both players crumpled to the ground in obvious pain.
The outcome proved devastating: Abrams sustained an ankle sprain while Profar suffered a concussion and neck strain. The collision sidelined both players, with Profar missing 10 games during a key early-season stretch. San Diego’s defensive alignment required significant adjustment, contributing to their midseason defensive struggles. “Sometimes you’re so focused on making the play that you don’t hear your teammate calling for the ball,” remarked Padres manager Bob Melvin. The understatement of the century, right up there with “the Titanic experienced some minor flooding issues.”
16. Josh Naylor’s Terrifying Tumble
On June 27, 2021, Cleveland’s Josh Naylor demonstrated the dangers of unchecked determination. While chasing a pop fly in foul territory, Naylor collided with second baseman Ernie Clement at full speed. The impact sent Naylor spinning through the air before landing awkwardly, his right ankle visibly dislocating upon impact. The stadium fell quiet as medical personnel rushed to his aid.
Naylor suffered a closed fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. The injury ended his 2021 season and significantly altered Cleveland’s offensive plans. His recovery took nearly nine months, with Naylor later describing the mental challenges as being tougher than the physical pain. His return in 2022 was nothing short of miraculous, considering his leg had twisted like a pretzel in a toddler’s grip.
15. George Springer and Teoscar Hernandez: Blue Jays’ Center Field Calamity
During a crucial September game in 2021, Toronto Blue Jays outfielders George Springer and Teoscar Hernandez demonstrated how quickly a routine play can turn dangerous. Both players tracked a fly ball to center field, neither giving way as they converged. The resulting collision left Springer momentarily motionless on the field. Meanwhile, the ball dropped between them, allowing three runs to score and turning a close game into a deficit.
Springer suffered a mild concussion and missed seven games during Toronto’s playoff push. The Blue Jays finished one game out of a Wild Card spot, making this incident particularly costly. (Funny how those “just one game” margins haunt teams for entire offseasons.) Manager Charlie Montoyo implemented additional communication drills following this incident, simply stating, “We’d prefer our outfielders stop trying to occupy the same space at the same time.”
14. Anthony Santander and Cedric Mullins: Baltimore’s Miraculous Escape
On August 3, 2022, Baltimore Orioles outfielders Anthony Santander and Cedric Mullins defied physics and injury odds simultaneously. Both players sprinted toward a deep drive to left-center field at full speed. They collided violently, bodies twisting upon impact. Remarkably, Mullins somehow secured the catch while tumbling to the ground, robbing New York’s Aaron Judge of an extra-base hit. The play looked like something from an action movie where the hero impossibly catches the falling vase while being tackled.
Even more surprisingly, neither player sustained a significant injury. Both remained in the game after brief medical evaluations, providing a rare happy ending to what could have been disaster. “That play exemplifies the risk-reward calculation outfielders make dozens of times per season,” noted Orioles broadcaster Jim Palmer. “They were fortunate the outcome wasn’t much worse.”
13. Chad Pinder and Elvis Andrus: Oakland’s Middle Ground Mayhem
Communication prevents collisions. This fact became painfully evident on May 18, 2021, when Oakland Athletics shortstop Elvis Andrus and right fielder Chad Pinder converged on a shallow popup. Neither player took charge, resulting in a violent collision as Andrus dove for the ball. Both players slammed into each other at considerable speed, immediately halting play as trainers rushed to the field. Their collision looked about as coordinated as two people trying to exit a revolving door from opposite sides.
Andrus suffered a shoulder contusion that limited his throwing ability for weeks. Pinder sustained a mild concussion that affected his vision and timing at the plate. The injuries depleted Oakland’s roster during a competitive stretch, contributing to their second-half slide. The Athletics subsequently implemented mandatory communication drills focusing specifically on plays in shallow right field. (Who knew that actually talking to your teammates could prevent injuries? Revolutionary concept.)
12. Donovan Solano and Tyler Naquin: Costly Confusion
During a critical pennant race game on September 7, 2022, Cincinnati Reds infielder Donovan Solano and outfielder Tyler Naquin demonstrated how miscommunication can impact both player health and the scoreboard. Both pursued a blooping fly ball into shallow right field. Neither called for the ball with sufficient volume to be heard over the crowd noise. They collided awkwardly, with Naquin’s knee striking Solano’s midsection.
The ball dropped untouched, allowing Pittsburgh’s Bryan Reynolds to circle the bases for an inside-the-park home run that tied the game. Adding injury to insult, Naquin exited with a quad contusion that sidelined him for six games. Cincinnati manager David Bell later implemented a more structured communication system for outfield plays, simply stating, “We needed a system that works even when 35,000 people are screaming their heads off.”
11. Cameron Maybin and Salvador Perez: Catcher in the Outfield
Position versatility sometimes increases collision risk, as demonstrated on June 15, 2018. Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, playing right field to keep his bat in the lineup, converged with center fielder Cameron Maybin on a fly ball. Perez mistimed his approach, looking about as comfortable in the outfield as a penguin in the desert. His head collided with Maybin’s glove arm as both attempted the catch. The ball deflected off Maybin’s glove, allowing a Houston runner to score from second base.
Perez displayed immediate concussion symptoms and left the game. He missed four games during MLB’s concussion protocol, while Maybin escaped with minor bruising. This incident highlighted the additional risks when players are positioned outside their primary defensive positions, a growing trend in modern baseball.
10. Carlos Gomez and Drew Stubbs: Commitment to the Catch
On August 22, 2014, Milwaukee Brewers outfielders Carlos Gomez and Drew Stubbs demonstrated the fine line between determination and danger. Both pursued a pop foul near the right field line with characteristic intensity. They collided violently, tangling in midair. Despite the significant impact, Gomez somehow maintained possession of the ball for the out. The crowd roared its approval, unaware of the physical price both players had just paid.
Stubbs suffered a concussion and missed eight games, while Gomez played through rib soreness that affected his swing mechanics for weeks afterward. “Sometimes that commitment to making every play can be a double-edged sword,” noted Brewers manager Ron Roenicke. Baseball’s bizarre reward system in action: risk serious injury, receive thunderous applause.
9. Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig: Dodgers’ Double Trouble
On May 24, 2017, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielders Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig demonstrated why outfield communication matters, regardless of defender skill level. They converged in right-center field, each focused entirely on the ball. Puig caught the ball but collided with Pederson’s shoulder at full speed. The impact sent both players to the ground, with Puig momentarily stunned and Pederson clutching his shoulder in obvious pain.
While Puig recovered quickly, Pederson suffered a neck sprain and shoulder contusion that placed him on the 10-day injured list. The Dodgers, despite tremendous depth, struggled to replace Pederson’s power against right-handed pitching. After this incident, Dodgers outfield coach George Lombard instituted a strict “call it early, call it often” policy. The players initially rolled their eyes at this “basic” instruction—until they remembered how much getting hit by a 220-pound teammate running full speed hurts.
8. Kyle Schwarber and Dexter Fowler: Cubs’ Championship Challenge
During a pivotal game in the 2016 season, Chicago Cubs outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Dexter Fowler demonstrated how championship aspirations can literally collide with health concerns. Both pursued a deep drive to left-center field with championship intensity. Neither yielded ground, resulting in a violent head-to-head collision that left both players dazed on the warning track. Their meeting of minds had all the grace of two rams settling a territorial dispute.
The ball dropped untouched, allowing Seattle’s Jean Segura to circle the bases for an inside-the-park home run. More significantly, Schwarber suffered knee ligament damage that sidelined him for most of the Cubs’ historic championship season. This collision altered Chicago’s lineup construction for months but provided an opening for other players to contribute. Schwarber remarkably returned for the World Series, becoming a surprising offensive catalyst despite minimal playing time.
7. Jason Heyward and Jose Aguiar: Communication Breakdown
On April 10, 2016, Atlanta Braves outfielders Jason Heyward and Jose Aguiar exemplified how hesitation can be as dangerous as aggression. Neither committed fully to a catchable fly ball, each expecting the other to take charge. Their indecision led to an awkward near-collision that sent Heyward tumbling to the ground. Though they avoided direct impact, Heyward suffered a back strain from his evasive maneuver and missed three games.
The play highlighted how even near-misses can result in injuries when players make last-second adjustments at high speeds. It’s baseball’s equivalent of swerving to avoid a pothole only to hit the guardrail instead. Following this incident, Braves outfield coach Bo Porter implemented designated zones of responsibility to reduce confusion on balls hit to shared territories. (Sometimes grown men making millions need literal boundary lines drawn for them. Go figure.)
6. Josh Harrison, Stephen Piscotty, and Ramon Laureano: Three’s a Crowd
The Oakland Athletics learned that three fielders pursuing one ball is a recipe for disaster on May 5, 2019. Left fielder Josh Harrison, center fielder Ramon Laureano, and right fielder Stephen Piscotty all converged on a fly ball to deep left-center. In the ensuing chaos, Piscotty and Laureano collided violently. Laureano’s knee struck Piscotty’s face with considerable force, immediately raising concerns about concussion and facial injuries. The scene resembled a traffic accident more than a baseball play.
Piscotty suffered a facial contusion and entered concussion protocol, missing six games during a crucial divisional stretch. The Athletics implemented more structured communication protocols following this incident, with primary and secondary responsibility clearly established. “When you have three guys calling for the ball simultaneously, nobody can hear anything,” explained A’s manager Bob Melvin. Three’s company on sitcoms—on baseball fields, it’s just asking for trouble.
5. Teoscar Hernandez and Jose Altuve: Size Mismatch Matters
On July 29, 2019, Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and right fielder Teoscar Hernandez demonstrated how size disparities can increase collision severity. The 6’2″ Hernandez and 5’6″ Altuve converged on a popup to shallow right. Hernandez’s elbow struck Altuve’s upper chest with significant force, immediately sending the diminutive second baseman to the ground. The height difference made this collision about as fair as a heavyweight fighting a bantamweight.
Altuve suffered a partial pectoral muscle tear that affected his throwing and swing for weeks afterward. Houston’s infield defense suffered noticeably during his five-game absence and limited effectiveness upon return. This collision prompted Houston’s coaching staff to implement height-specific communication protocols, with smaller infielders instructed to yield to larger outfielders in most cases. (Physics always wins these arguments, regardless of whose name is on the jersey.)
4. Manuel Margot and Ha-Seong Kim: Language Barrier Blues
On June 8, 2022, San Diego Padres outfielder Manuel Margot and shortstop Ha-Seong Kim illustrated how language differences can increase collision risk. Margot, a native Spanish speaker, and Kim, who primarily speaks Korean, pursued a shallow popup to left field. Their communication attempts failed due to language barriers. Margot charged aggressively while Kim backpedaled, neither recognizing the other’s intentions until too late. Their miscommunication resulted in a collision that transcended language barriers—pain sounds the same in every tongue.
The resulting collision left both players injured. Kim suffered a facial contusion and mild concussion, missing seven games. Margot sprained his wrist and missed three games during a critical stretch against divisional opponents. Following this incident, Padres coaches implemented a universal set of English terms for all fielders to use, regardless of native language. Turns out “I got it!” works better than silence in any language.
3. Martin Maldonado and Carlos Correa: Cross-Position Hazard
On May 4, 2021, Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado demonstrated why backstops rarely venture into the outfield. While pursuing a high popup behind third base, he collided with shortstop Carlos Correa. The unexpected contact sent both players tumbling, with Maldonado’s knee inadvertently striking Correa’s lower leg. While Maldonado escaped unharmed, Correa suffered a shin contusion that affected his mobility for several games.
Though neither player missed significant time, the incident highlighted the dangers of cross-position pursuits, particularly when players with different defensive backgrounds and instincts converge at high speeds. “Catchers and infielders are trained differently for popup priorities,” noted Astros manager Dusty Baker. When different defensive positions collide, it’s like mixing cats and dogs at a pet party—something’s bound to go wrong.
2. Mike Cameron and Carlos Beltran: The Gold Standard of Caution
No discussion of outfield collisions would be complete without mentioning the most infamous incident in modern baseball. On August 11, 2005, New York Mets outfielders Mike Cameron and Carlos Beltran provided a sobering reminder of collision dangers. Both Gold Glove outfielders charged full-speed toward a sinking line drive. Neither heard the other’s call over the crowd noise at San Diego’s Petco Park. They collided face-to-face with catastrophic force that silenced the stadium.
The ball fell free as both players lay motionless on the outfield grass. Cameron suffered multiple facial fractures requiring extensive surgery, while Beltran endured facial lacerations and post-concussion symptoms. Cameron missed the remainder of the 2005 season, and the collision affected his depth perception and defensive confidence for years afterward. The Mets’ season effectively ended that day, as they struggled to overcome the emotional and tactical impacts of losing two premier defenders. This horrific incident led Major League Baseball to prioritize outfield communication training across all organizations. (Nothing motivates safety protocols quite like seeing two All-Stars carted off on stretchers.)
1. Johnny Damon and Damian Jackson: Playoff Pressure Magnifies Risk
High-stakes situations can increase collision risk by intensifying focus on the ball rather than surroundings. During Game 5 of the 2003 ALDS, Boston Red Sox outfielder Johnny Damon and second baseman Damian Jackson demonstrated this principle with tragic consequences. Both pursued a shallow fly ball to center field with playoff intensity. Neither yielded as they converged at full speed, resulting in one of baseball’s most frightening collisions. Jackson’s head struck Damon’s face with tremendous force, immediately rendering Damon unconscious.
As medical staff attended to the motionless Damon, a stunned Fenway Park crowd fell silent. Damon suffered a severe concussion that not only ended his postseason but affected his cognitive function for months afterward. Boston, emotionally shaken, lost the game and subsequently the series to the New York Yankees. This collision stands as a stark reminder that even the game’s most crucial moments aren’t worth risking player safety. Some losses extend far beyond the scoreboard.
