I love consuming everything baseball. Whether it’s documentaries, movies, TV shows, or video games; as long as it’s baseball, I’m in. Each character created for these platforms have their own unique personalities. So here we have it, a case for a number of fictional baseball players, to eventually decide who the best truly is.
In honor of Disney's upcoming launch of their new Disney+ streaming service, we're going to keep things right here, with the Disney classic, Angels in the Outfield (1994). Ben Williams is the California Angels Center Fielder in the 1994 classic, Angels in the Outfield. He is played by none other than Matthew McConaughey. Williams is not known for his bat, but rather his quality defense.
One could argue that his defense isn't worth much of a consideration as well. The first time the audience is introduced to Williams he is pursuing a ball in the left-center gap where both him, and teammate Norton (Mark Cole) are in pursuit. Williams quietly calls for the ball, which it is not heard by Norton. The two outfielders collide, and the ball drops in. It looks like this blown catch also allowed a run to score, as the runner was heading for third base when the two collide. As announcer, Ranch Wilder (Jay O. Sanders) stated when the ball was in the air, "This will be Ben Williams' call." It is the Center Fielder's responsibility to take charge in the outfield. When there is a ball hit that they can reach, they have the authority to call off their teammate, whether it be from the outfield or a pursuing infielder, on a shallower fly. Williams' calling off Norton was not a commanding call. He called it too quiet, and hesitantly for a player that is responsible for taking command on the play.
Williams is the first player that receives angel assistance. On a deep drive in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Williams has to gets on his horse. While fast, this ball was unreachable. That is, until two angels hoist Williams under the arms to allow him to maintain his jump trajectory, aiding him in making a catch that no one in attendance can believe they witnessed. Williams continues to get further angel assistance, including a moment where he gets pulled by the arm to run faster, pursuing a deep fly ball. He ends up catching the ball, and punching a hole through the unpadded, wooden, outfield wall, in the process.
Ultimately, Williams is a good overall fielder. Knowing baseball defensive construction, he would not be playing a critical position like Center Field if he was not a good fielder. He is seen making a diving play behind a lounging Al (Christopher Lloyd) during the team's rise to the top of the standings. The division deciding game against the defending champion, Chicago White Sox, is where Williams' defense is fully featured. In the 7th inning of a 2-2 tie game, Williams makes a diving, shoe string grab, that saved a potential run from scoring. If the run had scored, it would have wasted a clutch game-tying home run by teammate, Ray Mitchell (Stoney Jackson), the inning prior.
Williams' memorable moment comes in the 9th inning of the Division Championship game, in a moment of redemption for the title of "Outfield General," that Williams should carry as the team's Center Fielder. With one out and two runners on base in the 9th inning, the Angels lead by one run. A ball is struck well into right-center field and Williams gives chase. He managed to get a great jump on the ball, and because the ball is in the gap, the Right Fielder is in pursuit as well. Williams authoritatively calls "I GOT IT!" The Right Fielder dives under a leaping Williams, as he hauls in a spectacular catch, holding the game-tying run at third base. This catch saves the Angels' season.
It may seem a little out of place to include Ben Williams on the list of the potential greatest fictional baseball player of all-time. But, c'mon. His character is played by the great, Matthew McConaughey. That deserves a nod in my book.
Williams is the first player that receives angel assistance. On a deep drive in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Williams has to gets on his horse. While fast, this ball was unreachable. That is, until two angels hoist Williams under the arms to allow him to maintain his jump trajectory, aiding him in making a catch that no one in attendance can believe they witnessed. Williams continues to get further angel assistance, including a moment where he gets pulled by the arm to run faster, pursuing a deep fly ball. He ends up catching the ball, and punching a hole through the unpadded, wooden, outfield wall, in the process.
Ultimately, Williams is a good overall fielder. Knowing baseball defensive construction, he would not be playing a critical position like Center Field if he was not a good fielder. He is seen making a diving play behind a lounging Al (Christopher Lloyd) during the team's rise to the top of the standings. The division deciding game against the defending champion, Chicago White Sox, is where Williams' defense is fully featured. In the 7th inning of a 2-2 tie game, Williams makes a diving, shoe string grab, that saved a potential run from scoring. If the run had scored, it would have wasted a clutch game-tying home run by teammate, Ray Mitchell (Stoney Jackson), the inning prior.
Williams' memorable moment comes in the 9th inning of the Division Championship game, in a moment of redemption for the title of "Outfield General," that Williams should carry as the team's Center Fielder. With one out and two runners on base in the 9th inning, the Angels lead by one run. A ball is struck well into right-center field and Williams gives chase. He managed to get a great jump on the ball, and because the ball is in the gap, the Right Fielder is in pursuit as well. Williams authoritatively calls "I GOT IT!" The Right Fielder dives under a leaping Williams, as he hauls in a spectacular catch, holding the game-tying run at third base. This catch saves the Angels' season.
It may seem a little out of place to include Ben Williams on the list of the potential greatest fictional baseball player of all-time. But, c'mon. His character is played by the great, Matthew McConaughey. That deserves a nod in my book.