Angels' Jo Adell Receives Hall of Fame Call for Tri-Theft Glove

Outfielder's three home run robberies in one game to be immortalized at Cooperstown

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:19am

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An abstract, expressionist painting depicting a baseball player leaping high into the air, his body contorted as he reaches up to make a spectacular catch, the player's face and uniform blurred into vibrant brushstrokes that capture the raw energy and athleticism of the moment.A dazzling display of defensive prowess, as Angels outfielder Jo Adell's gravity-defying catches robbed three home runs in a single game, cementing his status as an elite MLB defender.Cooperstown Today

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell has agreed to send the glove he used to rob three home runs in a single game to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Adell's defensive heroics, which included a spectacular catch in the ninth inning to preserve a 1-0 victory, have been described as one of the greatest defensive performances ever witnessed.

Why it matters

Adell's defensive display showcased his elite athleticism and glove work, cementing his status as one of the best defensive outfielders in Major League Baseball. The decision by the Hall of Fame to enshrine his glove recognizes the significance of his achievement and will inspire future generations of players.

The details

In the game against the Seattle Mariners, Adell first robbed Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh of a home run in the first inning. He then made nearly identical plays to rob Josh Naylor in the same spot in right field. Adell's coup de grace came in the ninth inning when he ran hard into the right-field corner, reached up, and snagged a liner before tumbling into the stands to preserve the Angels' 1-0 victory.

  • On Sunday, April 6, 2026, Adell made the three home run robberies.
  • The National Baseball Hall of Fame has since requested Adell's glove to be put on display.

The players

Jo Adell

A 24-year-old outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels who made three spectacular home run robberies in a single game, cementing his status as one of the best defensive players in Major League Baseball.

Torri Hunter

A nine-time Gold Glove award winner during his playing days who now serves as a special assistant for the Angels. Hunter mentored Adell and was amazed by his defensive performance, describing it as 'probably the greatest defensive game I've ever seen.'

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What they’re saying

“That was crazy. Just after the first one, we were pretty fired up out there. And then I got the second one, which looked identical to the first one and I was like, 'Wow, like my routes are on point tonight.' The third one was just grit, just top of the ninth, getting it done.”

— Jo Adell, Los Angeles Angels Outfielder

“I've never seen three home run robberies in one game and I've never seen a guy on the third one fall into the stands, catch the ball and keep his feet in like he's a wide receiver. I was jumping up and down. I almost passed out.”

— Torri Hunter, Los Angeles Angels Special Assistant

What’s next

The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, will put Adell's glove on display to commemorate his historic defensive performance.

The takeaway

Jo Adell's three home run robberies in a single game showcase his elite defensive skills and cement his status as one of the best outfielders in baseball. The decision by the Hall of Fame to enshrine his glove recognizes the significance of his achievement and will inspire future generations of players to strive for similar defensive excellence.