BOSTON -- The diving catch stood out to Jason Heyward.
He made some plays that would qualify as web gems out in center field, for sure, the Atlanta Braves right fielder recalled.
Before Heyward and Boston Red Sox center fielder Ryan Kalish faced off at Fenway Park on Saturday, they battled as minor leaguers in 2008.
Heyward was an 18 year old on the Rome Braves, Kalish was 20 and playing for the Greenville Drive. Both were highly touted prospects. Heyward quickly recognized Kalishs potential.
He played the game really hard, Heyward said. He was a tough out at the plate and he played great defense... There were some plays where he dove and caught balls on the warning track, throwing runners out. I actually remember throwing him out but he tried to catch it, so he just has that aggressive mindset. Hes a fun guy to watch play baseball.
Heyward is in his third season with the Braves while Kalish is in his second with the Red Sox after missing last year with an injury. Heyward wasnt surprised to see Kalish this season at Fenway Park.
You could tell, if he wanted to, he could make it, he said. Its all a process for all of us at that time. We take it as far as we want to take it. You could tell, if he wanted to keep going, he could. And clearly he has.