Chas McCormick is not well known in the baseball world. In the city of Philadelphia, however, the locals are very familiar with the name. The Houston Astros outfielder recently broke Philadelphia Phillies fans' hearts in Game 5 of the World Series with a stunning play.
With the Phillies trailing 3-2 in the ninth inning, J.T. Realmuto stepped up to the plate with one out and nobody on base. Ryan Pressly was holding on to a slender lead in a hostile environment. He knew that up next was a Bryce Harper-Nick Castellanos one-two punch. This out was critical if the Astros hoped to get out of Philadelphia with a win.
Realmuto made solid contact and rocketed a shot to right field. The crowd leaped to their feet and at one point it looked like it was going all the way.
However, McCormick got a great jump on the ball and timed his catch perfectly. He was fearless and even rammed into the outfield wall at full speed while managing to hold onto the ball. It was a soul-crushing catch that silenced the 45,693 fans in attendance.
What would have hurt most for Phillies fans is the fact that McCormick is one of their own. He is a local Philadelphia guy who was raised as a Phillies fan. He spent many days and nights out at Citizens Bank Park.
McCormick was asked after the game if he had a message or any words for the Phillies faithful.
"Sorry guys," responded Chas.
"I just remember the stadium being super quiet" - Chas McCormick on stunning catch that helped Houston Astros to a 3-2 win in Game 5
Chas McCormick also said he could feel the silence that descended on the stadium after his spectacular catch.
"When I caught that ball and fell down I just remember the stadium being super quiet," added McCormick
"CHAS MCCORMICK! WHAT A CATCH (via @MLBONFOX)" - Bleacher Report
With the win, the momentum of the series swung in favor of the Houston Astros.
McCormick may be the villain in his hometown of Philadelphia, but he will return to Houston as a hero.
Game 6 of the series will take place at Minute Maid Park on Saturday night.