Fans stunned by homerun illusion

US Minor League baseball fans were left disbelieving their eyes after watching what appeared to be a straight forward homerun hit – when it was in fact caught in the outfield.

Video of the bizarre incident shows New York-based Syracuse Chiefs' Emmanuel Buriss hitting a fly ball that seemingly beats Indianapolis Indians centre fielder Gregory Polanco and bounces on top of the wall and out for a home run.

But amazingly, Polanco casually turns around and throws the ball back towards the pitcher.

A slow-motion replay reveals the ball which appears to be the game ball is actually one being played with by two children in a batting cage behind the field.

The second ball completes the flight of the game ball perfectly when in actual fact the catch has been taken by the outfielder.

The bizarre occurrence stunned even Syracuse announcer Kevin Brown.

"It's one of the highlights of my career,'' Brown joked about his radio call.

"I recommend fans watch the clip on mute.''