CHICAGO -- The new “Superman” film directed by James Gunn debuted in theaters on Friday, and Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann apparently wanted to celebrate by pulling off his own impression of the DC superhero.
Schneemann went full extension in the air to snag a line drive off the bat of Colson Montgomery, robbing the White Sox shortstop of a hit in the fourth inning at Rate Field. Cleveland went on to lose, 5-4, in 11 innings in Game 2 of the doubleheader.
According to Statcast, Schneemann needed to travel 34 feet to make the grab, but he only covered 29 before laying out for the liner to rob Montgomery. It only had a 67.9 mph exit velocity, but Statcast gave it a 67 percent hit probability.
“Right off the bat, honestly, I didn't really feel like I even had a chance at it,” Schneemann said. “But I just kept running in that direction, and then I realized it wasn't hit as hard as I thought, so I knew I had a chance. I just went all out.”
Schneemann stayed down on the ground for a few moments after he made the catch, after he got the wind knocked out of him. He said adrenaline takes over on a play like that, when you sell out and give up your body with a dive like that.
He’s attempted that type of diving catch before, but could not recall coming down with the ball.
“That one felt good,” Schneemann said. “It didn't feel good on my body, but it felt good to make that play.”
It was fitting that Schneemann made that catch on Friday. The new "Superman” movie was partially filmed in Cleveland, including a scene that was filmed at Progressive Field, the Guardians’ home ballpark.
Schneemann also added a double and a run scored in Game 2, after he hit a solo homer in Game 1 -- a 4-2 Guardians win. Cleveland’s 11-inning loss in the nightcap came after the club went 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position and left 14 runners on base.
But for a moment on Friday, Super Schnee came to the rescue for the Guardians.