Watch Josh Donaldson Make Eye-Popping Catch over Tarp in Foul Territory

Quite simply, it might have been the best catch of the 2013 MLB season.

That's what many are calling the incredible grab pulled off by Oakland Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson in the top of the sixth inning of Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers.

With one out and a runner at first, Rangers left fielder David Murphy lifted a high pop fly that drifted toward the third-base seats.

However, Donaldson wasn't about to let the stands—or the tarp in his path—stop him from making an amazing play.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle had a close look at the play from the press box, and she was absolutely in awe of what she witnessed. 

And no question, fans are on to something. It was definitely one of the top defensive plays of the season.

It's pretty clear how fans on Twitter feel about the play. 

Donaldson has been terrific at the plate all season, hitting .292 with 19 home runs and 77 RBI. But he's also been stellar defensively, with FanGraphs ranking him sixth in the majors with an 8.1 UZR. 

With Oakland in a tight battle with the Rangers for the AL West title, the players on both sides are treating every game like it's their last. There was definitely a playoff atmosphere in the air on Tuesday in Oakland. 

But Donaldson's play was more than just playing for the chance to experience October baseball; he was willing to sacrifice his body to do what he could for his team.

I'll take nine Josh Donaldsons who have that kind of competitive fire.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle.

Follow @Sports_A_Holic