Baseball is a sport known for its exciting moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats. One of the most rare and thrilling plays in baseball is the triple play, where the defense manages to record three outs in a single play. And when an unassisted triple play occurs, it elevates the excitement to a whole new level.
An unassisted triple play happens when a single fielder is responsible for all three outs in a triple play. This is an extremely rare feat in baseball, with only 15 occurrences in Major League Baseball history as of 2021. The last unassisted triple play was achieved by Eric Bruntlett of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009.
What makes unassisted triple plays so special is the combination of skill, athleticism, and strategic thinking required to pull off such a play. The fielder must have quick reflexes, excellent fielding abilities, and a deep understanding of the game to anticipate the right move at the right time.
One of the most famous unassisted triple plays in baseball history was executed by Bill Wambsganss of the Cleveland Indians in the 1920 World Series. In Game 5 against the Brooklyn Dodgers, Wambsganss caught a line drive, touched second base to double off a runner, and tagged a baserunner coming from first base.
In recent years, fans have been treated to a few memorable unassisted triple plays. In 2015, second baseman Michael Martínez of the Cleveland Indians made the play against the Toronto Blue Jays, catching a line drive, tagging a runner, and stepping on second base. And in 2017, shortstop Andrés Giménez of the New York Mets achieved the feat against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a similar sequence of events.
While unassisted triple plays are rare, they showcase the extraordinary talent and athleticism of the players involved. These plays require split-second decision-making, flawless execution, and a bit of luck to successfully complete all three outs on their own.
As fans continue to marvel at the incredible moments that baseball provides, the unassisted triple play remains one of the most thrilling and unforgettable plays in the game. So the next time you’re at a baseball game and witness a triple play, especially an unassisted one, consider yourself lucky to have witnessed such a rare and remarkable feat.