Baseball, a sport filled with statistics, records, and moments of brilliance, has its fair share of rare plays that stand out in the annals of the game’s history. While fans and players alike celebrate the home run, the perfect game, or the immaculate inning, there is one play that stands as perhaps the rarest and most elusive of all: the bases loaded triple play. In this 1000-word article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of baseball’s rarest play, exploring its history, the circumstances that lead to its occurrence, and the memorable instances when it unfolded.
A triple play is a defensive feat in baseball where the fielding team records three outs on a single play. To achieve this, the team must have runners on first, second, and third base simultaneously. The most common type of triple play involves the following sequence:
A line drive or sharply hit ground ball is caught by an infielder.
The infielder steps on a base to force out one runner (usually the one closest to the base they occupy).
The infielder then throws to another base, either tagging a runner or forcing them out.
Finally, the infielder may throw to a third base, completing the triple play by tagging or forcing out the remaining runner.
Triple plays are rare because they require a specific combination of events: three baserunners, a sharply hit ball, and defensive execution. The bases loaded triple play takes this rarity to another level, as it necessitates not only three baserunners but also all three bases occupied by runners at the same time.
Among the numerous achievements in baseball, the bases loaded triple play is one that has occurred sparingly throughout the game’s history. The reasons for its scarcity are twofold: first, the circumstances needed to load the bases with runners are relatively uncommon, and second, the precise set of conditions leading to the triple play itself is even rarer.
To load the bases, a combination of hits, walks, and errors must occur in a specific sequence. Once the bases are loaded, a sharply hit ball into the infield must be handled deftly by the defensive team. This means not only catching the ball but making quick and accurate decisions to retire all three baserunners within the same play.
Given these challenges, the bases loaded triple play is indeed a baseball unicorn, appearing once in a blue moon to astonish fans and players alike.
While the bases loaded triple play is a historical rarity, it has been etched into baseball lore through a few memorable moments. These instances showcase the extraordinary combination of circumstances and defensive prowess required to achieve this remarkable feat:
Philadelphia Phillies (August 23, 1912): In a game against the Chicago Cubs, the Phillies’ triple play featured a line drive to shortstop Mickey Doolan, who stepped on second base to force out one runner, tagged a runner heading from first to second, and then threw to first baseman Fred Luderus to complete the triple play.
Detroit Tigers (May 31, 1923): In an American League matchup against the Cleveland Indians, the Tigers executed a bases loaded triple play involving a line drive to shortstop Topper Rigney, who tagged second base, tagged the runner from first base, and then threw to first baseman Johnny Neun.
Minnesota Twins (July 17, 1990): In a game against the Boston Red Sox, the Twins pulled off a dramatic bases loaded triple play to escape a jam. With the Red Sox threatening, third baseman Gary Gaetti caught a line drive, stepped on third base, and then tagged the runner from second base.
Oakland Athletics (May 9, 2017): In a game against the Houston Astros, the Athletics managed a bases loaded triple play that included a ground ball to third baseman Trevor Plouffe, who tagged third base, threw to second baseman Adam Rosales, and then completed the play by throwing to first baseman Yonder Alonso.
Each of these historic plays added to the lore of the bases loaded triple play, showcasing the quick thinking, precise execution, and extraordinary athleticism required to achieve such a feat.
The bases loaded triple play remains one of baseball’s rarest and most captivating occurrences. Its infrequency makes it a spectacle to behold whenever it unfolds. Baseball fans understand that witnessing a bases loaded triple play is akin to seeing a shooting star; it’s a magical, once-in-a-lifetime event that leaves an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to witness it.
The appeal of the bases loaded triple play lies not only in its rarity but also in the sheer athleticism and skill it showcases. It underscores the importance of solid defensive play, teamwork, and the ability to remain composed under pressure, making it a testament to the essence of baseball itself.
In a sport filled with statistics, records, and memorable moments, the bases loaded triple play stands as a testament to the unpredictable and captivating nature of baseball. It is a reminder that while home runs and perfect games may capture the headlines, there are rare gems hidden in the details of the game, waiting to be discovered by those who appreciate its beauty and complexity.
As baseball continues to evolve and capture the hearts of fans worldwide, the bases loaded triple play remains a reminder that, in this sport, the extraordinary can happen at any moment, and the rarest plays can leave an everlasting mark on the game’s rich history.
