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Mark Reynolds’ moonshot clears Goodyear Ballpark scoreboard (video)

Mark Townsend
·Yahoo Sports Contributor

Just when I thought Justin Upton’s titanic home run over the Champion Stadium scoreboard on Thursday night would be the most impressive blast of the week (and maybe spring training), his former Diamondbacks teammate and new Cleveland Indians infielder Mark Reynolds gave him a run for his money on Friday.

During the sixth inning of Cleveland's 7-5 loss to Arizona at Goodyear Ballpark in Arizona, Reynolds connected with David Hernandez's 1-0 fastball — he must still be reeling from Team USA's elimination in the World Baseball Classic — and launched it over the left center field fence and over the massive scoreboard that probably sits another 70-80 feet beyond the fence. No estimated distance has been reported as of it yet, but we're talking at least 480 feet and possibly 500 feet for Reynolds. Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer did add:

Mark Reynolds launched a two-run homer over the left field scoreboard in the sixth inning. It was one of the longest homers hit in Goodyear Ballpark since it opened in 2009.

Yes. Yes it was.

[Also: Orioles win scheduling conflict battle with NFL]

Of course Reynolds has long been known as a hit-or-miss type hitter. Having led his league in strikeouts four times in the past five years, most of the time it’s been miss, but he clearly got every bit of this one, which impressed manager Terry Francona.

''That was impressive,'' Francona said. ''I heard rumors that it went over the scoreboard. I lost it. That's what he's here for. When he takes that swing and stays through the ball he gets that backspin. He's also hit some balls to right field. We're not trying to get him to go that way, but when he stays balanced it puts him in position to do that.''

But as impressed as Cleveland's new skipper was, it was perhaps Reynolds biggest fan who was most in awe.

I think that about covers it. Well said by the young Mr. Reynolds and well hit by the older Mr. Reynolds.

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