A Clear Guide to Baseball’s Rarest Feat

Triple plays stand out as one of baseball’s rarest and most exciting feats. A triple play occurs when the defense records three outs in a single continuous play, instantly ending the offensive team's chance to score that inning. These plays require perfect timing, quick reflexes, and a bit of luck, making them a memorable event for fans and players alike.

Triple plays are extremely uncommon; Major League Baseball sees only a handful each season, sometimes none at all. Understanding how and why these defensive plays unfold helps viewers appreciate the skill and circumstance involved.

Many fans may go their whole lives without seeing one in person. Learning precisely how triple plays happen, what rules they depend on, and just how infrequently they occur adds a deeper layer of intrigue to any baseball game.

What Is a Triple Play?

A triple play in baseball is one of the rarest and most efficient defensive feats. It requires specific conditions and quick execution to retire three baserunners in a single continuous sequence.

Definition in Baseball

A triple play occurs when the defense records three outs in one uninterrupted play. No errors, missteps, or interruptions can happen between outs, and all must result from actions during live play.

In Major League Baseball, a triple play always requires at least two runners on base—since three outs must be made without a break. Most result from line drives or ground balls that are quickly fielded and thrown efficiently between bases.

The official rulebook describes a triple play as any play where three offensive players are put out on continuous action. This differentiates it from other multiple-out plays, which involve breaks or sequences across separate actions.

Key Characteristics

Triple plays are characterized by their speed and coordination. The infielders often act as the key players, but outfielders can be involved, depending on how the play develops.

Some common situations that allow for triple plays include a sharply hit ball to an infielder with runners on first and second and no outs. Quick decision-making and accurate throws are essential. The fielders need to cover bases and tag runners, turning the play with minimal hesitation.

The triple play stands out for requiring teamwork and split-second timing. Plays are usually scored with notations like 5-4-3, reflecting the fielders involved in each out. Due to the specific scenario needed and the precision required, triple plays remain one of the least frequent highlights in professional baseball.

How Triple Plays Happen

Triple plays occur when the defense records three outs in a single continuous play, usually with runners on base and specific game situations. These rare events require quick reactions, precise coordination, and a bit of luck, making them stand out in baseball history.

Common Scenarios for Triple Plays

Triple plays most often happen when there are runners on first and second base with no outs. The batter typically hits a hard ground ball or line drive near the infielders.

A typical example is the classic 5-4-3 triple play (third baseman to second baseman to first baseman). The third baseman fields a grounder, steps on third for the force out, throws to second for the second out, and the second baseman relays to first for the final out.

Another scenario involves a line drive caught by an infielder. Runners, believing the ball will drop safely, stray from their bases. After the catch, the fielder throws quickly to double up the runners who cannot return in time. Most triple plays do not involve errors or extraordinary athleticism but rely on situational awareness and efficient execution.

Step-By-Step Breakdown

1. Situation Setup: There are usually runners on first and second base, and no outs. This setup increases the chances of multiple force outs.

2. Ball Hit: The batter hits a sharp grounder or line drive to an infielder, who reacts quickly.

3. First Out: The fielder either steps on a base (force out) or catches a line drive (fly out).

4. Second Out: The fielder or a teammate throws to another base to catch a runner off guard, usually forcing the second out at second or first base.

5. Third Out: The final throw gets the third out, commonly at first base after relaying from third to second.

Each action must be completed in quick succession without hesitation. Triple plays demand flawless teamwork and split-second decisions by everyone involved.

Historical Rarity of Triple Plays

Triple plays are among the least common feats in professional baseball, standing out in the game’s long statistical history. Their frequency and the specific records associated with them help illustrate why they remain such a memorable occurrence on the field.

Frequency in Major League Baseball

Triple plays are extremely rare in Major League Baseball (MLB). As of the end of the 2024 season, MLB teams have turned just over 740 triple plays in more than 150 years of recorded play.

On average, only about 2-3 triple plays occur each season. The highest number in a single season is 19, set in 1890, but modern seasons tend to see far fewer.

A triple play usually requires a combination of specific game situations: runners on base with no outs, and a sharply hit ball—or a strategic defensive play. Because these factors must align perfectly, most fans can watch baseball for years without seeing one in person.

Notable Triple Play Records

Some triple plays stand out due to their uniqueness or historical significance. The New York Yankees hold the record for the most triple plays turned by a single franchise, with over 50 to their name.

Unassisted triple plays, where a single player records all three outs by themselves, are the rarest type. Only 15 such plays have occurred in MLB history, most recently by Eric Bruntlett in 2009.

The fastest triple play on record is believed to have taken less than seven seconds, showing just how quickly the momentum can shift. Some teams have turned multiple triple plays in a single game—for example, the Minnesota Twins accomplished this unusual feat twice in one game in 1990.

Famous Triple Plays in Baseball History

Throughout baseball history, some triple plays stand out for their complexity, timing, or impact on major games. These events often showcase precise teamwork and quick decision-making, leaving a lasting mark on the sport.

Memorable Major League Moments

One of the most famous MLB triple plays happened on July 17, 1990, during a game between the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox. The Twins turned two triple plays in a single game—the only time this has happened in MLB history. Both plays were classic around-the-horn (5-4-3) sequences.

Another noteworthy event took place on May 29, 1925, when the Cleveland Indians executed an unassisted triple play. Shortstop Neal Ball caught a line drive, tagged second base, and touched a runner—all by himself. To this day, unassisted triple plays remain among the rarest feats on the field.

List of Notable Triple Plays:

• 1920 World Series, Game 5: First postseason triple play

• July 17, 1990: Twins turn two triple plays in one game

• May 12, 1969: Cincinnati Reds complete a 6-4-3-2 triple play with a throw to home plate

Triple Plays in Championship Games

Triple plays are even more dramatic in championship settings. In Game 5 of the 1920 World Series, the Cleveland Indians performed the first (and still only) World Series triple play. Bill Wambsganss caught a line drive, stepped on second, and tagged the runner coming from first—an unassisted triple play under the highest pressure.

Despite thousands of playoff and World Series games since, postseason triple plays are extremely rare. The 1920 instance remains unmatched in terms of significance and timing. Although other postseason triple plays have occurred in League Championship Series play, none has happened with higher stakes or during such a pivotal moment in the World Series.

Factors Contributing to Rarity

Triple plays are a unique statistical occurrence in baseball, shaped by both the circumstances on the field and the precision required from defenders. Their rarity is directly linked to the specific alignment of baserunners and the high level of skill needed to execute all three outs in quick succession.

Game Situations Required

A triple play requires particular on-base situations. At a minimum, there must be runners on first and second base with no outs. More rarely, the bases may be loaded, but the most common scenario involves only two runners. This limited alignment does not occur. Even when the conditions are met, the batter must hit a ball that can be fielded quickly—a hard grounder or line drive.

The situation must line up perfectly: score, inning, outs, and runner speed all affect the likelihood. Late in games, teams may be more cautious with baserunning, reducing opportunities. The table below outlines common setups:

SituationChance for Triple PlayRunners on 1st & 2nd, 0 outsPossibleBases loaded, 0 outsPossibleFewer than 2 runners, 0 outsNot possible

Missed signs, aggressive running, or attempts at hit-and-runs slightly increase the odds, but the necessary conjunction of events remains rare.

Defensive Execution

Even when the scenario allows for a triple play, fielders must act with exceptional speed, accuracy, and awareness. The defense must handle the ball cleanly, make fast, accurate throws, and coordinate without mistakes. Miscommunication or bobbled balls immediately end any chance of a triple play.

Each out usually requires different skills: catching a line drive, tagging a base, or throwing quickly for a force out. Players must make quick decisions under pressure. Coordination between infielders is essential, as is knowledge of the baserunners’ tendencies. A split second of hesitation can mean the difference between a triple play and just one out.

Errors and delays are common in fast plays. Successful triple plays highlight both individual skill and team chemistry, demanding more than routine defensive performance.

Unusual and Unique Triple Plays

Some triple plays stand out for how they unfold. Certain defensive feats are especially rare because of the speed, skill, or unique set of circumstances required.

Unassisted Triple Plays

An unassisted triple play happens when a single fielder makes all three outs by himself, without help from teammates. This most often occurs with runners on first and second, no outs, and a line drive hit toward a middle infielder.

The classic scenario involves the fielder catching a line drive (out 1), then tagging a runner who left the base (out 2), and touching the remaining base to get another runner (out 3). Only 15 unassisted triple plays have been recorded in Major League Baseball history as of 2025.

Shortstops and second basemen are usually the ones who manage this play. The rarity is mostly due to the specific timing and positioning needed, not just quick reflexes.

Key facts:

• Unassisted triple plays are far less common than even perfect games.

• No outfielder has ever recorded an unassisted triple play.

Reverse Order Triple Plays

A reverse order triple play, sometimes called a "backwards" triple play, happens when outs are recorded in the reverse order of how they would normally occur. Typically, the third out is at first base, but in a reverse order triple play, the first out might be recorded at third base or even home plate.

One example occurs with runners on base: a ground ball is hit to the third baseman, who steps on third for the force (out 1), throws to second for the second force out (out 2), and then the relay is thrown to first for the final out (out 3). This is scored 5-4-3.

Reverse order triple plays are notable for quick, precise play and require excellent awareness by infielders. These are more common than unassisted triple plays, but still rare given the level of coordination involved.

Illustration:

Play TypeTypical Out SequenceReverse Out SequenceStandard Triple Play1B, 2B, 3B3B, 2B, 1B

Impact of Triple Plays on Games

Triple plays are rare defensive feats that can suddenly halt an opponent’s best scoring chance. Their timing and effect are often decisive, shifting momentum and directly influencing game outcomes.

Turning Points and Momentum Shifts

A triple play often comes at a critical moment, such as when a team has several runners on base with no outs. When executed, it eliminates the threat instantly, sending all defensive players off the field and the offense back to the dugout. This abrupt change can deflate the batting team's confidence while energizing the defense.

Managers and players report that triple plays can change the emotional tone in the stadium. Spectators witness a play they rarely see, which can rally home crowds and unsettle opposing teams. In close games, the team pulling off the triple play often gains a psychological edge.

Teams sometimes use the momentum from a triple play to spark rallies in the following half inning. Unlike routine double plays, triple plays are so unexpected that they can swing momentum more sharply, giving the defending team a boost in morale and focus.

Statistical Impact

Triple plays are extremely uncommon, occurring, on average, less than once per MLB season per team. This rarity means their statistical impact per game is notable but difficult to predict or model.

When a triple play occurs, it removes all runners and ends the inning, often negating a high-probability scoring situation. The run expectancy drops to zero instantly. In terms of the "win probability added" (WPA) statistic, triple plays can drastically change a team's chances, especially if turned with multiple runners on base and no outs.

Table: Effect on Run Expectancy by Bases Occupied Before Triple Play

SituationExpected Runs BeforeRuns After Triple PlayBases loaded, no outs2.310Runners 1st & 2nd, no outs1.440Runners 1st & 3rd, no outs1.850

Analysts note that while triple plays rarely determine an entire season, their immediate influence on individual games is substantial. A team's defense benefits both in runs saved and improved statistical odds of winning.

Triple Plays in Modern Baseball

Triple plays remain rare, even in the fast-paced environment of modern baseball. Teams may go entire seasons without turning or experiencing one. Most recently, Major League Baseball (MLB) sees only a few triple plays per year.

The following table shows the number of triple plays in MLB from 2015 to 2024:

Year Triple Plays

2015 4

2016 3

2017 7

2018 3

2019 5

2020 2

2021 5

2022 3

2023 2

2024 4

Several factors make triple plays uncommon today. Defenders must execute precise throws and decisions, and base runners must be in just the right positions. The increased use of analytics and defensive shifts has slightly changed the types of triple plays seen, but has not made them significantly more common.

When triple plays do happen, they often make highlight reels and are discussed by fans across the league. Notably, most triple plays still occur with runners on first and second and nobody out, especially when hitters hit the ball hard on the ground.

Triple plays continue to be memorable moments, showcasing teamwork and split-second execution by fielders.