Yes, it's another video involving him and a foul ball. But unlike the previous time nine years ago, Herrera is being praised for his skills after he made a barehanded catch that may have saved Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani a lot of pain.
Both hands reflexively swing up to make the catch — and the 38-year-old who has been a Dodgers bat boy for 20 years prevented what could have been a catastrophic injury to Ohtani.
Not that anyone would have known by Herrera's reaction. After taking a brief look in Ohtani's direction, Herrera casually handed the ball to someone.
Ohtani, who hit his National League-leading 25th home run in the first inning, can be seen approaching Herrera with a wide smile. Meanwhile, Will Ireton , Ohtani's interpreter, stares at the bat boy with his mouth wide open.
Herrera didn't come off looking nearly as smooth Aug. 16, 2016, while attempting to catch another foul ball. He was filling in as a ball boy during a Sunday game against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. During the fifth inning, Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart hit a slicing foul ball headed toward the left-field stands behind Herrera.
In an effort to protect fans, Herrera put his glove up and leaned back over the railing to catch the ball. Instead, he took a dramatic tumble over a table and onto his back on the concrete. The ball bounced into the stands.
"Oh my goodness," legendary Dodgers announcer Vin Scully said during the broadcast. "Is he OK?"
He immediately got up, returned to the overturned bucket serving as his seat and hung his head. But he had nothing to be embarrassed about — the crowd applauded his effort.
“I thought I might get heckled,” Herrera said. “I did not think I would get cheered.”
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