Neal Ball is a name etched in the annals of baseball history as the first player to achieve an unassisted triple play in Major League Baseball (MLB) under modern rules. This remarkable feat occurred on July 19, 1909, and has since become a defining moment in Ball's career. While his time in the MLB spanned several teams and positions, it is this singular play that has immortalized him in the sport's history.
Neal Ball's Baseball Journey
Cornelius "Neal" Ball was born on April
22, 1881, and began his professional baseball career in the minor leagues with the Montgomery Senators of the Southern League. His talent soon caught the attention of the New York Highlanders, with whom he signed in 1907. Ball's primary position was shortstop, but he also played at second base, third base, and in the outfield during his career.
After spending less than three seasons with the Highlanders, Ball was sold to the Cleveland Naps. It was with the Naps that Ball achieved his historic unassisted triple play. In the middle of the 1912 season, Ball's contract was purchased by the Boston Red Sox, where he played his final MLB game on June 30, 1913. Despite a career that included playing for multiple teams, Ball's legacy is largely defined by his unassisted triple play.
The Historic Unassisted Triple Play
On July 19, 1909, Neal Ball made history by executing the first unassisted triple play in MLB under modern rules. This rare feat requires a unique set of circumstances, including no outs in the inning and at least two runners on base. Ball's play involved catching a line drive, doubling off a runner, and tagging another runner, all without assistance from his teammates.
The unassisted triple play is a rare occurrence in baseball, with only 15 recorded in MLB history. Ball's achievement was recognized with two medals, one from the Cleveland Press and another funded by the Cleveland News. His glove used during the play is on exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame, serving as a testament to his place in baseball history.
Legacy and Recognition
Neal Ball's unassisted triple play remains a significant milestone in baseball history. While his overall career in the MLB was relatively brief, his achievement on that July day in 1909 has ensured his lasting legacy. Ball's story is a reminder of how a single moment can define a player's career and secure their place in the history of the sport.
Ball passed away on October 15, 1957, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, but his contribution to baseball continues to be celebrated by fans and historians alike.
