The unassisted triple play is one of the rarest feats in baseball, with only a select few players having achieved it in Major League Baseball history. This article highlights some of the most famous unassisted triple plays and the players who etched their names into the annals of baseball history with this remarkable accomplishment.
Neal Ball: The Pioneer
Neal Ball was the first player to achieve an unassisted triple play under modern MLB rules. On July 19, 1909, while playing
for the Cleveland Naps, Ball made history against the Boston Red Sox. During the second inning, with runners on first and second, Ball caught a line drive, stepped on second base to double off the runner, and tagged the runner coming from first. This play not only secured his place in baseball history but also set the standard for future unassisted triple plays.
Ball's achievement was a testament to his quick reflexes and situational awareness. His ability to execute the play flawlessly demonstrated the skill required to complete such a rare feat. As the first player to accomplish this, Ball's name remains synonymous with the unassisted triple play.
The 1927 Double: Cooney and Neun
In 1927, baseball fans witnessed an extraordinary occurrence when two unassisted triple plays happened just one day apart. On May 30, Jimmy Cooney of the Chicago Cubs completed the play against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cooney caught a line drive, stepped on second base, and tagged the runner from first, showcasing his agility and quick thinking.
The very next day, Johnny Neun of the Detroit Tigers achieved the same feat against the Cleveland Indians. Neun's play was particularly notable as it ended the game, making it the first game-ending unassisted triple play in MLB history. Despite their shared accomplishment, Cooney and Neun never met during their playing careers, as they were in different leagues.
Eric Bruntlett: A Modern Marvel
The most recent unassisted triple play in MLB history was completed by Eric Bruntlett of the Philadelphia Phillies on August 23, 2009. In a game against the New York Mets, Bruntlett caught a line drive, stepped on second base, and tagged the runner from first, ending the game. This play was only the second game-ending unassisted triple play in MLB history, adding to its significance.
Bruntlett's achievement highlighted the continued rarity and excitement of the unassisted triple play. His ability to execute the play under pressure demonstrated the skill and composure required to achieve such a feat.
In conclusion, the unassisted triple play remains a rare and thrilling moment in baseball history. The players who have achieved it are celebrated for their quick thinking and athleticism, making their accomplishments memorable for fans and players alike.
