- There have been 736 triple plays turned in MLB history.
- The Philadelphia Phillies turned the most recent triple play.
- Unassisted triple plays are one of the rarest events in baseball.
A triple play is only possible with at least two baserunners and no outs. Certain outcomes of a plate appearance make a triple play much more likely – a strikeout or flyball to the outfield would require an especially unusual string of events for a triple play to be completed.
Given the game circumstances when they occur, triple plays can have a major impact on in-play baseball odds.
How Many Triple Plays Have Been Turned in MLB History?
There have been 736 triple plays turned in MLB history. Some, of course, have been more notable than others.
For instance, in September 1962, Joe Pignatano became the only player to end his career by hitting into a triple play.
In August 2001, Scott Hatteberg (of “Moneyball” fame) hit into a triple play and hit a grand slam in his next plate appearance. Hatteberg is the only player ever to achieve this unique feat.
Some of the strangest triple plays have occurred after a strikeout. In 2006, a Raúl Ibañez strikeout was followed by some chaotic baserunning from the Seattle Mariners, resulting in what is thought to be the only 2-6-2 triple play ever.
Four years earlier, Ron Wright played his only MLB game. Wright, a designated hitter for the Mariners, instigated a 1-6-2-5-1-4 triple play. He also struck out and grounded into a regulation double play, meaning he accounted for six outs in three career plate appearances.
A triple play is a dramatic occurrence regardless of the circumstances, but it’s not something that can be accounted for when evaluating the latest MLB odds.
When Was the Last Triple Play in MLB?
The last triple play in MLB was turned by the Philadelphia Phillies on June 24, 2024, against the Detroit Tigers.
🚨 TRIPLE PLAY 🚨 pic.twitter.com/eHmPP4ejv6
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 24, 2024
It started when pitcher Aaron Nola caught a soft liner. Nola tossed the ball to first base to get the runner before Bryce Harper threw across the infield to Alec Bohm at third base. The runner from third had advanced to home.
How Many Unassisted Triple Plays Have There Been in MLB History?
There have been a total of 15 unassisted triple plays completed in MLB history, making this one of baseball’s rarest achievements.
There hasn’t been an unassisted triple play in the majors since Eric Bruntlett for the Phillies in 2009. Bruntlett recorded all three outs for the Phils against the New York Mets, completing only the second game-ending unassisted triple play ever.
