Denzel Clarke: The Home Run Stealing Maestro Conquering the Majors
From his childhood on the outskirts of Toronto, Athletics outfielder Denzel Clarke has been immersed in the art of stealing home runs. Inspired by Kevin Pillar, who delighted fans with his spectacular catches at the wall, Clarke dreamed of emulating his idol.
After debuting in the Major Leagues at the end of May, Clarke returned to his hometown to face the Blue Jays. In a game, Alejandro Kirk hit a ball that seemed destined to leave the park, but Clarke, with an incredible display of athleticism, soared over the fence and robbed the home run, starring in one of the most outstanding plays of the 2025 season.
This type of play is becoming increasingly common in today’s baseball, with outfielders breaking home run robbery records. Clarke, with his skill and agility, has become one of the best in this specialty, demonstrating that stealing home runs is a combination of instinct and skill.
“The more you play baseball, the more intuitive things become. There’s a quote I really like: ‘Thinking merges with instincts and transforms into intuition.’ When you play for so long, it becomes who you are.”
Denzel Clarke
Clarke’s ability to steal home runs has earned him the admiration of fans, just as Kevin Pillar had in his day. Every game is an opportunity for Clarke to add more feats to his repertoire.
The robbery of a home run is a moment that paralyzes the entire stadium, awaiting the outfielder’s reaction. The history of these plays is full of memorable moments, from Ken Griffey Jr. to Mike Trout, demonstrating the importance and value of this defensive skill.
Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks outfielder, highlights the difficulty of this play, which requires a combination of game reading, field knowledge, and courage to face the wall.
In modern baseball, outfielders are redefining the art of home run robbery. With lower fences and a greater number of fly balls, any player with good timing and jump can achieve it. Since 2012, center fielders have been the ones who have made the most robberies.
To steal a home run successfully, certain rules must be followed, according to Clarke:
Rule #1: Preparation
Before each pitch, Clarke analyzes the situation: count, outs, pitcher, batter, catcher’s position, and the body language of everyone involved. This information allows him to be in the right place at the right time.
Clarke’s preparation routine is crucial to his success, as it allows him to anticipate the play and react effectively. Preparation is the key to any great play.
Rule #2: Moving in the right direction
Clarke needs only two steps to predict the ball’s trajectory. The ability to run towards a specific point, based on the information gathered before the throw, is what distinguishes elite outfielders.
In addition to natural speed, Clarke has worked with a strength coach to improve his movement and agility. The combination of athleticism and mental preparation is key to success.
The increase in fly balls has made defensive work in the outfield more important than ever. Young defenders, such as Pete Crow-Armstrong, Julio Rodriguez, Ceddanne Rafaela, Victor Scott II, and Wyatt Langford, have proven their worth in this area.
Each of them has their own iconic play, demonstrating the diversity of talent in today’s baseball.
Rule #3: Pace in the race
Statcast measures every movement of the outfielders. The ability to react quickly and cover ground is crucial for robbing a home run.
Rhythm is essential. Clarke looks for the ball at least three times before attempting the catch. The key is to balance concentration on the ball and the run towards the anticipated landing spot.
The stadiums also influence. Wrigley Field is a challenge due to its ivy-covered wall, while Camden Yards offers more opportunities due to its dimensions.
Rule #4: Don’t be afraid of the fence
The wall is an obstacle, but the best gardeners don’t fear it. Confidence and the ability to calculate distance are crucial.
The height of the wall influences the strategy. Concentration and grip security are vital.
The robbery of a home run is a risky but exciting play. The speed of the ball, the distance, and the need to run at full speed make it an act of bravery.
Clarke’s ability to steal home runs has made him a benchmark, earning the respect of his teammates and the admiration of fans.
In his history, Clarke has several memorable plays, including one in his college days. Despite not having video of that catch, he knows that many more will come, and that they will continue to be shared on social media.
Being the one who steals a home run is better than being the victim. The feeling of seeing how a home run is stolen is something that batters do not forget.
Denzel Clarke has established himself as the undisputed home run theft king, demonstrating that the combination of skill, preparation, and courage make him an exceptional player.
