Beltrán's Iconic 14th-Inning Tal's Hill Catch Propels Mets to 17-Inning Victory

Houston – In a memorable display of defensive prowess and late-game heroics, New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltrán made a spectacular catch on Tal's Hill in the 14th inning of a tie game against the Houston Astros on July 7, 2007, robbing Luke Scott of a walk-off hit. This pivotal play prolonged what would become a marathon contest at Minute Maid Park, ultimately won by the Mets in 17 innings. The extraordinary moment, widely shared by "This Day in Mets History" on social media, underscored Beltrán's impact on the game.

The game, a grueling five-hour and nine-minute affair, was deadlocked in the bottom of the 14th with runners on first and third and two outs when Scott hit a deep fly ball to center field. Beltrán, known for his three Gold Glove awards as a Met, tracked the ball to the unique, 90-foot long, 30-degree incline in Minute Maid Park's center field. Despite the challenging terrain, which also featured a flagpole, Beltrán ascended the hill and made an over-the-shoulder grab, falling to the grass to secure the out and preserve the tie.

Beltrán's familiarity with Tal's Hill, a feature named after former Astros executive Tal Smith and inspired by Cincinnati's Crosley Field, stemmed from his time playing for the Astros in 2004. This prior experience allowed him to navigate the unusual slope effectively, turning a potential game-ending hit into a highlight-reel out. Reliever Joe Smith, who was pitching at the time, reportedly reacted with concern, stating, "He’s running up the hill, and I was like, ‘Oh no, no, no.’"

The Mets capitalized on Beltrán's defensive gem just three innings later. In the top of the 17th, Beltrán delivered an RBI single, giving New York the lead. The Mets went on to win the extended battle with a final score of 5-3. Tal's Hill, a distinctive element of Minute Maid Park since its opening in 2000, was eventually removed in 2016 as part of a $15 million renovation, making Beltrán's iconic catch a lasting testament to its unique place in baseball history.