Mikey Henderson recalls warning-track catch that clinched Florida’s CWS final berth

Mikey Henderson came in late in Florida’s 3-2 win over TCU on Wednesday as a pinch runner who later scored the game-winning run. However, it was his play as a center fielder on a ball launched 407 feet that will be more memorable.

“It’s one of those balls that at that point in the game, it’s do or die,” Henderson said. “I’m running through the wall if I have to. I knew I was getting close to the wall because it was flying, and I knew I had to jump there at the end and luckily I was able to squeeze it.”

The ball was hit 407 feet in a park that listed the center field wall at 408 feet, as TCU’s Brayden Taylor hit it with an exit velocity of 110 m.p.h.

Heroics send @GatorsBB to the FINALS!#MCWS x ? ESPN pic.twitter.com/DNblYBcswN

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 21, 2023

“It’s unbelievable. Getting to do that for this team, we battled all week, and being able to make that put away right there is huge,” Henderson said. “It makes me so happy to be able to do it for these guys, we’re really excited. I like to pride myself in the defense, so getting opportunities like that are exciting for me and I’m just happy I was able to do it for these guys.”

Michael Robertson called game and @GatorsBB is headed to the champ series ‼️

Robertson breaks down the web gem to end the game.#MCWS pic.twitter.com/4qOAV8xL6g

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 21, 2023

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.