With Cleveland runners at first and second in the second inning at Fenway Park, Frank Brower lined a ball that was headed for right field, when Burns cut to his right to spear it. Valentin is the only Major League player to have pulled off an unassisted triple play, hit for the cycle and hit three home runs in a game. I had thought that this was something that should be known, Kathia said in a phone call with MLB.com. Thanks for reading and learning more about one of baseballs most unique plays! Kathia was just 12 when her great-uncle passed away in 1957, but she has fond memories of watching baseball with him on visits to his house in Bridgeport, Conn. The story makes these objects come alive, theyre living pieces of history. Neither the American nor National League has recorded any unassisted triple plays this season, but many teams are still gunning for the accomplishment as they strive to achieve greatness during this historic season. Bill Wambsganss spent 13 seasons in the majors and recorded 1,359 hits, but he's best known for completing the only unassisted triple play in World Series history. Brooks Robinson's 1973 Topps card pictures the 16-time Gold Glove Award winner in perfect fielding position. Hansen said he sent both the ball he caught and his glove to the Baseball Hall of Fame and cherishes the moment forever. Its also one of the most exciting, as it requires incredible skill and effort from all involved players. Jiggs Donahue, Billy Gilbert, and Bill Friel of the Brewers were part of the first official triple play in MLB history. Baseball History: Unassisted Triple Plays - Baseball Egg Triple play - Wikipedia If you get a signed baseball, unless you know who Babe Ruth is, its just a signed baseball, Dunbar said. Jimmy Cooney, Cubs shortstop, May 30, 1927, fourth inningIncredibly, there were unassisted triple plays turned on back-to-back days -- two of the 15 to ever take place -- with this one coming the day before Neun's in Detroit. The Last Unassisted Triple Play In MLB - Facebook The Museum in Cooperstown features more than 50,000 square feet of exhibits devoted to the National Pastime. He played for the New York Highlanders, Cleveland Naps, and Boston Red Sox from 1907 to 1913. Since then, there have been a handful of other players who have accomplished this amazing feat. September 17, 2020 | 00:03:52. While Speaker went after the ball, Ball raced around the bases for an inside-the-park home run. When Tom Wambsgans outmaneuvered the Roy siblings, getting himself named as the U.S. executive running Waystar Royco for GoJo at the end of a rollicking finale of the HBO series Succession, it likely came as a shock to many of the viewers at home. It was the expected outcome for some, thanks to Bill Wambsganss, a second baseman for Cleveland from 1914 to 1923. Hall of Fame Members receive 10% off and FREE standard shipping on all Hall of Fame online store purchases. As Tulowitzki noted, there is typically a little bit of luck involved, as runners are usually in motion, and the ball must be hit at the defender. Expert recap and game analysis of the Atlanta Braves vs. Colorado Rockies MLB game from April 29, 2007 on ESPN. Did you know that there have only been 15 unassisted triple plays in MLB history? Eric Bruntlett and Johnny Neun are the only players to end an MLB game on an unassisted triple play. He hit a home run in Game 2 of the World Series followed by a game-winning run in Game 3. He then stepped on second base for the force on the runner headed to third, and tagged the runner who came right to him at second. The first unassisted triple play in MLB history took place on September 21, 1869, between the Chicago . They were completely different, but it was interesting just to recall., Ron Hansen posted Defensive Wins Above Replacement figures of better than 3.5 in 1963 and 1964 two of only six such seasons for shortstops in the 1960s. Thanks for reading and learning more about one of baseball's most unique . On Jan. 31, Ball's great-niece, Kathia, appeared on an episode of "Antiques Roadshow" with artifacts related to her . Furcal then ran to tag second base, as well as the retreating runner who had come from first, Orlando Palmeiro. The next half-inning, Ball led off. Copyright 1999- " first-base coach Luis Rivera said, serving as the Venezuelan's interpreter. It's that rare.". Eric Bruntlett turns an unassisted triple play to end a game for the This play requires incredible agility, raw athleticism, and a strong mental understanding of seamless field navigation. What does this mean for future prospects attempting to duplicate this accomplishment? NEW YORK (Reuters) - Eric Bruntlett completed just the second game-ending unassisted triple play in Major League Baseball on Sunday, which helped the Philadelphia Phillies to a 9-7 victory over the New York Mets. In the top of the seventh inning of a 5-5 game at Coors Field, the Braves' Chipper Jones smashed a liner right to Tulowitzki at short, and all that remained was the simple matter of stepping on second and tagging out the runner from first, Edgar Renteria. His biggest mark was left in the post-season. 13 years since the last unassisted triple play in MLB : r/baseball - Reddit In just his fourth Major League game, Padgett became the fourth player in AL/NL history to turn an unassisted triple play. "I get to go down in history. John Valentin of the Boston Red Sox turned the tenth unassisted triple play in the history of Major League baseball. It was the 13th unassisted triple play in major league history and first since . The triple play is an event very rarely seen in the MLB. It was the "standard" scenario of runners at first and second with no outs in the second inning at League Park, when Red Sox second baseman Amby McConnell hit a line drive to Ball at short. On July 30, 1968, Washington Senators shortstop Ron Hansen pulled off one of baseball's rarest and most difficult feats when he turned an unassisted triple play against the Cleveland Indians. After her mother -- Balls niece -- passed away in 2010, Kathia inherited his collection of artifacts, which remains in her house to this day. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies shortstop, April 29, 2007, seventh inningFirst and second, nobody out -- see a pattern here? [9] He was released on June 2, 2010. Its hard to know how to react to it, Bruntlett said on Major League Baseballs website (www.mlb.com). This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Discover one-of-a-kind artifacts and get lost in sweeping exhibitions that explore pivotal moments in the game and its impact far beyond the field. Though Ruth memorabilia is common among the baseball artifacts featured on Antiques Roadshow, Neal Ball memorabilia is much rarer. With Succession having completed its wildly popular run on television, we will never know if Tom Wambsgans was able to thrive after completing a triple play of his own, or if he would come to be defined only by the one moment, as Wambsganss was. Jimmy Cooney glove worn during unassisted triple play (Hall of Fame Collection). Bill Wambsganss Triple Play during 1920 World Series(Source: Hall of Fame Collection). "As soon as I saw the runners take off and it was line drive, I knew I had a chance at a triple play," Cabrera said. The unassisted triple play, a triple play in which only one fielder handles the ball, is the least common type of triple play, and is arguably the rarest occurrence in baseball: it has happened only 15 times since 1900 at the major league level. "He flipped it into the stands and right as he did cried out, 'Oh, no!' Most recently, Eric Bruntlett Philadelphia Phillies executed an unassisted triple play in 2009 against the New York Mets. During the top of the sixth inning Marc Newfield hit a hard line drive that was caught by Valentin. Play Ball Youth Baseball & Softball. In 1914, he coached Ruth on the Baltimore Orioles, then Bostons Double-A affiliate, and they remained good friends for years to come. Having already scored one run in the bottom of the ninth at Citi Field, New York had runners on first and second and were attempting a double steal. three-time Cy Young Award winner was not offered a contract after going 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts for the Mets last year -- a trying season . It all means something to all of us who either knew him or knew of him.. Hansen played in the big leagues for 15 seasons with the Orioles, White Sox, Yankees, Royals and Senators, winning the 1960 AL Rookie of the Year Award and earning two All-Star selections. He stepped on second and tagged the runner retreating to first for the triple play. The last unassisted triple play was by Philadelphia. In 1964, Hansen became one of only eight players in history through the 2021 season with a Defensive WAR of 4.0 or better and an Offensive WAR of 4.0 or better in the same season. On May 31, 1927, Johnny Neun secured a 1-0 home win for the Detroit Tigers with an unassisted triple play in the top of the ninth inning. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. Phillies vs. Mets - MLB Game Recap - August 23, 2009 | ESPN Bruntlett's unassisted triple play was the first to happen since 1927. The walk-off triple play is baseball's first since Eric Bruntlett's unassisted triple play for the Phillies against the Mets on Aug. 23, 2009, and baseball's first walk-off triple play with a one . Cleveland second baseman Bill Wambsganss turned the only one in the World Series, in 1920 during a Game 5 win over Brooklyn. Seek out and celebrate your heroes, and explore online and in-person exhibits commemorating the history and impact of the game. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum). Just Wambsganss-unassisted triple play! Since she first joined the show in 1996, Dunbar estimates that shes done around 150 segments and 4,500, if not 5,000, verbal appraisals. In that time, she can recall only two people who appeared on the show and ended up selling their items. According to Dunbar, it is extremely rare for those who go on Antiques Roadshow to sell their artifacts. There was one time that Neal said, I want you to throw a waste pitch, she said. https://www.tiktok.com/@baseballhall?lang=en. Unassisted Triple Plays | 09/17/2020 | MLB.com Bain News Service, via Library of Congress By. That October, he was one of the unexpected heroes of the club's World Championship victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Neal Ball, Naps shortstop, July 19, 1909, second inningWhen Ball turned the first unassisted triple play in AL/NL history, the legendary Cy Young was on the mound, and he reportedly didn't know what had happened -- who could blame him, after all, since it was the first of its kind? Youth. In addition to the batter, these represent the possible outs that can be obtained from the play. I don't think people understand just how rare an unassisted triple play . Page 215.). This means that all three outs were made by one player. All Rights Reserved by Baseball Almanac, Inc.Hosted by Hosting 4 Less. Secondly, an activity must happen during the play that allows the three outs to even be obtained. Bruntlett caught the drive and proceeded to field the play described above. On December 28, 2009, Bruntlett signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. Only bad things can happen.". Kathia also recalled a story involving Ruth, Ball and a minor spelling misunderstanding. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. "I was trying to speed up the game," Overbay joked. But to record all three outs yourself -- single-handedly killing a rally in the process -- is especially rare. In 1997, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[2]. The Indians also have been victimized three such times. Not Logged In Please log in to see this page. They can't take that away from me. On May 8, 1878, Paul Hines was credited with a triple play which was correct for the "rules in play." Cabrera moved to his right, grabbed the ball with a backhanded dive and held up his glove to show the umpire he'd made the catch. What people found is an unremarkable player who made a play that is worth all the attention. I went back in the dugout, and they said, Hey, you just made an unassisted triple play. I had really never heard of an unassisted triple play before, or hadnt thought about it.. Following the season, Bruntlett retired from active play. MLB.TV Buy MLB.TV Buy At Bat Watch & Listen Help Center. On the mound for his unassisted triple play? Bruntlett would cap off his World Series performance by scoring the series-clinching run in Game 5, allowing the Phillies to win their first World Series since 1980 and second overall. I hate to spoil the internets fun, but its false, Frank Rich, an executive producer of the show, told Stefan Fatsis of Slate, spoiling the internets fun. On July 19, 1909, the shortstop completed MLBs first officially recognized unassisted triple play. She had tried several prior times to get onto Antiques Roadshow before making it onto a taping last year. With his momentum taking him toward second base, Burns tagged out the runner who had left first base before stepping on second to complete the trifecta. He then got to his feet and stepped on second to get the force out on Andy Van Slyke before tagging out Barry Bonds, who was on the move from first base with the pitch. Last year's National League runners-up have fallen on hard times in 2023 . Thanks to Antiques Roadshow, his story has been brought back to life. With runners on first and second and nobody out in the ninth inning at Citi Field, the Mets started the runners while trailing, 9-7. (Milo Stewart Jr./National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum). Eric Kevin Bruntlett (born March 29, 1978) is an American former professional baseball utility player, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies. There have only been 733 triple plays in Major League Baseball (MLB) since 1876, [1] an average of just over five per season. In 2010, after becoming a free agent, he spent the season playing for the Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Triple-A affiliates of the Washington Nationals and New York Yankees, respectively. Bruntlett won a World Series title with the Philadelphia . [5] It was the second game-ending unassisted triple play in Major League Baseball history and the first in the National League, preserving a 97 Phillies win. They have a greater chance of success. With the MLB season well underway, fans are keeping a keen eye on who may have what it takes to record one of the rarest plays to ever happen in the game, unassisted triple-plays. Neal said, Babe, why did you throw that pitch? Cabrera then reached out to tag Scutaro, who had run past the bag. Part of the Baseball Almanac Family. Asdrbal Cabrera, Cleveland second baseman, May 12, 2008, fifth inningSame situation here, though not in the ninth -- this time, it was the fifth inning at Progressive Field. She added that she would insure them for at least $30,000. Scores. MLB.TV. "Playing professional baseball is a privilege. With two outs already having been recorded on the play, Wambsganss turned his attention to Miller. Funny thing, I played in the big leagues for 13 years, 1914 through 1926, and the only thing that anybody seems to remember is that once I made an unassisted triple play in a World Series, he said in the 1966 baseball oral history, The Glory of Their Times. Many dont even remember the team I was on, or the position I played, or anything. Five of the other seven players are Hall of Famers: Dave Bancroft, Gary Carter, Frankie Frisch, Brooks Robinson (who did it twice) and Joe Tinker. It was the most unbelievable play Ive ever been involved in, Francoeur said. This is one of the rarest plays in baseball, with only 14 unassisted triple plays taking place since Neal Ball from all 30 current professional leagues in America and Canada. The first recorded instance of an unassisted triple play happened in 1908 when Neal Ball turned one against the Boston Red Sox. "I knew it was pretty special," Cabrera said. So as soon as I saw this I said, We have to talk about this, because how many people even know who Neal Ball is? Jeff Francoeur lined a ball up the middle, but Bruntlett was on his way to cover the bag on the steal attempt and snared the liner. In baseball, an unassisted triple play occurs when a defensive player makes all three outs by himself in one continuous play, without his teammates making any assists. In particular, Hansens visit brought to mind one third baseman enshrined in the Plaque Gallery, with whom he teamed up on the left side of the Orioles infield during his first five big league seasons. Its a milestone, the very first [unassisted] triple play. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Its always a lot of fun to be obscure, and yet important, she said. It happened so quick.". But to fans of baseballs early days, and internet conspiracy theorists, the signs had been there for Tom to come out on top, besting three competitors at the same time. On October 10, 1920, Elmer Smith hit the the first grand slam in World Series history. Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki made the last unassisted triple play in the majors, on April 29, 2007, against Atlanta. An unassisted triple-play is an incredibly rare occurrence in baseball and is achieved when a player successfully completes all three defensive outs of a single inning on his own. They depend on a combination of two factors, which are themselves uncommon: While playing shortstop in a game for the Washington Senators, Hansen caught a line drive from Indians catcher Joe Azcue, stepped on the second base bag and tagged the runner coming from first, securing the eighth unassisted triple play in AL/NL history. update=copyright.getFullYear(); Eric Bruntlett completed just the second game-ending unassisted triple play in Major League Baseball on Sunday, which helped the Philadelphia Phillies to a 9-7 victory over the New York Mets. The Michigan-born Ball played for the Yankees, Red Sox and Cleveland Naps in his seven-year career. In Game 5, after Pat Burrell doubled, Bruntlett pinch ran for him, with the score tied in the seventh inning; he moved to third, as Shane Victorino grounded out, then scored the winning run, on an RBI-single by Pedro Feliz. So far this season, we have seen large amounts of versatility across teams and some sluggers who can move when they need to. [3] He was assigned to the Martinsville Astros. Watch >, John Valentin, Red Sox shortstop, July 8, 1994, sixth inningThe Mariners' Marc Newfield hit a laser right at Valentin with runners at first and second in the sixth inning at Fenway Park. "Funny thing, I played in the big leagues for thirteen years and the only thing anybody seems to remember is that once I made an unassisted triple play in a World Series." He quickly progressed through the minor league system and reached the major leagues in 2003 with Houston. In MLB history, there have only been 15 recorded unassisted triple-plays, with the first happening over 100 years ago. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum). If we observe those that possess skills like this and pay close attention it could mean that one player could climb up into legendary status with a personal highlight that will be part of rewrites of baseball history. It was also a frigid evening, and after the first game of the twin bill went 14 innings, the two clubs -- both entering the series trying to avoid a last-place finish -- agreed that the second contest would be five innings. [8] His triple play occurred during his stint with the Naps, but his Yankees fandom was his strongest rooting interest in retirement, though Kathia and much of her Michigan-based family are lifelong Tigers fans. Wire index, Harper: Derby not in plans until D.C. in 2018, Rose greeted by cheers before All-Star Game, Commissioner sees expansion in MLB's future, Chapman closes ASG in home park, ponders trade, Manfred 'committed' to hearing Rose's case, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Reels. document.write(update); Braves 2-3 Cardinals (Aug 10, 2003) Game Recap - ESPN Baseballs all-time wins king, Cy Young, who was initially unaware of what had transpired. During his first years with the Astros, Bruntlett primarily served as a backup to shortstop Adam Everett but also played second base, third base, and the outfield. Wambsganss didnt hit much, and theres little indication he was a stellar base runner or a top-notch fielder. Same thing with the Neal Ball memorabilia. When I finished playing, I ended up coaching in the big leagues for 12 years, and then I ended up scouting for almost 20 years with the Yankees and Phillies, so Ive stayed around baseball pretty much my entire life, and I have been connected with and seen a lot of these players that have done things, Hansen said. Breaking down all fifteen instances of unassisted triple plays by position, there have been two by first basemen, five by second basemen, and eight by shortstops in Major League Baseball history. Wambys noodle began to operate faster than it ever did before, the article continued. history, . "Line drive right at me, caught it, one out. When it comes to the ultimate defensive gem, it's hard to argue against the unassisted triple play. A triple play is when three outs are recorded in a single play. Nonetheless, these occurrences are still referenced as some of the greatest moments in professional baseball history due to their incredibly rare nature. Unassisted triple play (July 19, 1909) Cornelius "Neal" Ball (April 22, 1881 - October 15, 1957) was an American baseball shortstop who played seven seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Bruntlett also played on the Phillies 2009 National League (NL) pennant-winning team, as he had previously done, for the Houston Astros 2005 NL pennant-winner. What is the Baseball Scorekeeping for This? With Cooney on second after drawing a walk, and Rogers Hornsby following with another base on balls, Jim Bottomley lined one to short, where Wright caught it, stepped on second to retire Cooney and then tagged Hornsby out for the triple-play. Clarence Mitchell then hit a liner that looked as if it could score a run or more. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Would love your thoughts, please comment. Balls older brother, Jay, was in the stands that day and, according to Kathia, was one of the few fans in attendance to immediately recognize that Ball had recorded three outs by himself. On July 30, 1968, Ron Hansen accomplished something only seven other players in the American or National League had. On May 31, 1927, Johnny Neun secured a 1-0 home win for the Detroit Tigers with an unassisted triple play in the top of the ninth inning. Otto was evidently so surprised that he was just glued to the ground, and Wamby just waltzed over and touched him for the third out, the paper reported. While the play is a spectacular demonstration of athleticism, its quite rare for the fielder to have enough time to make all three required putouts without help from their teammates. Bruntlett raced over to second base to field a possible throw when Jeff Francoeur hit a sharp line drive up the middle that Bruntlett caught for the first out. Neal Ball triple play artifacts on Antiques Roadshow - MLB.com Neal Ball - Wikipedia He joined The Times in 2004. Best College Baseball Programs in the U.S. Is Mike Trout the Least Exciting Superstar in Baseball History. Instead, it is Morandini's triple play -- the first in Phillies franchise history and the first in baseball since Washington Senators shortstop Ron Hansen pulled it off in 1968. Boston trailed, 2-0, at the time, but came back to win the game, 4-3. The last unassisted triple play in the Major Leagues was pulled off by second baseman Eric Bruntlett of the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies on August 23 against the New York Mets. Neal Ball last played in the Majors in 1913. Theyre family lore, Kathia said. What do you do there? After watchingher video, people began to speculate if the shows writers had tipped their hands as to who would come out on top and how. It was the sixth inning at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, and the Pirates' Jeff King hit a line drive up the middle that Morandini made a great diving play on. It has been accomplished only fifteen times in baseball history and as illustrated in the quote below, it is a legacy that will follow each and every player who has ever accomplished this unbelievable feat. Did you know that two of the unassisted triple plays came as the game's last plays? Kathia has visited the display in person, and she got a kick out of explaining to a father and son that the glove behind the glass belonged to her great-uncle. "As soon as I saw the runners take off, you think of a triple play, but it rarely ever happens," Tulowitzki said. On July 19, 1909, the shortstop completed MLB's first officially recognized unassisted triple play. Cabrera made a diving catch on a line drive by Lyle Overbay, touched second base and then tagged out Marco Scutaro to quickly end the fifth inning of Cleveland's 3-0 loss in 10 innings. Buy MLB.TV Buy SD In-Market Buy At Bat Watch & Listen Help Center. And the sickest., Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; editing by Greg Stutchbury. The last player to pull an unassisted triple play against them -- Ron Hansen, in 1968 for Washington -- is now an advance scout for Philadelphia and was at Progressive Field to see Cabrera's feat. - John Valentin. Stories from baseball's rich history are constantly being added to keep you connected to the game you love. They are so difficult to achieve because a lot has to go perfectly for one player everything from catching the ball hit towards them, tagging out two base runners, and not making any throwing errors. This gives a glimpse of how exceedingly rare it is. Bruntlett turns game-ending unassisted triple play | Reuters And Neal goes, Why sure, she seems like a great gal, go ahead.. Chicago won, 7-6, in 10 innings. Neun is notable for completing the seventh unassisted triple play in MLB history. Watch >. Players who are quick on their feet are exceptional gravity-defying athletes and have experience at multiple positions in the infield. . "On a play like that, it's just reaction and he reacted right.". Did you know that two of the unassisted triple plays occurred as the last play of a game? National League Unassisted Triple Plays | Triple Plays.
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