NEW YORK (WPIX)—
Fordham baseball player Brian Kownacki claims he has no formal training in gymnastics, but the shortstop could've fooled many after his gravity defying flip onto home plate during Tuesday's game against Iona College.The video clip of the play, which has since gone viral on YouTube, shows Kownacki heading home as he charges around the bases after teammate Chris Walker's single. As Kownacki comes face-to-face with Iona catcher James Beck at home plate, spectators and players alike thought it was a wrap for the 9-run eighth inning. No one could have predicted what happened next.
In a spur of the moment decision, the sophomore business administration major leaped head first over the crouching catcher, performing a full flip and landing gracefully -- and safely -- at home. The stunt sparked an explosion of cheers and applause from the crowd and extended the already amazing inning for the Rams.
Iona manager Pat Carey was quick to argue the "flipping" play but an umpire ruled Kownacki safe, considering he was not tagged, did not come in contact with the catcher and remained legally in the air space above the base path.
Kownacki's late-inning airborne stunt was just one part of Fordham's aggressive fight to stay alive in the game. The Rams rallied with nine runs in the inning, ultimately leading to a 12-9 comeback victory.
After the game, the 20-year-old did not only become the poster child for never giving up, but has achieved viral status on YouTube. The video has since received nearly one million views on the popular site.
Watch the video everyone is talking about:
