A 5-4-3 triple play is a defensive play in baseball in which three players combine to make three outs in a single play. It is a rare occurrence, as it requires three separate defensive plays in rapid succession. While a 5-4-3 triple play is not unheard of, it is a relatively rare defensive play and one which is the source of much excitement. In this article, we will discuss what a 5-4-3 triple play is, its history, and the most memorable 5-4-3 triple plays of all time.
History of the 5-4-3 Triple Play
The 5-4-3 triple play has been around since the game of baseball was first invented. In fact, the earliest recorded 5-4-3 triple play occurred in 1876, when the Chicago White Stockings (now the Chicago Cubs) recorded the first such play in a game against the Louisville Grays.
Since then, the 5-4-3 triple play has become an increasingly common defensive play in baseball, with the most recent one occurring in the 2019 season. The play has become so popular that MLB teams even have their own stats for it, tracking the total number of 5-4-3 triple plays each season.
The Most Memorable 5-4-3 Triple Plays
While there are countless 5-4-3 triple plays that have occurred over the years, some have become more memorable than others. Here are some of the most memorable 5-4-3 triple plays of all time:
1. The “Ichiro Triple Play” (2010)
In 2010, the Seattle Mariners’ Ichiro Suzuki made history when he became the first player to record a 5-4-3 triple play. The play occurred in a game against the Los Angeles Angels. With runners on first and second, Suzuki caught a line drive, stepped on second base for the second out, and then threw to first for the third out. The play was so remarkable that it was later dubbed the “Ichiro Triple Play.”
2. The “Suzuki-Ramirez” Triple Play (2015)
In 2015, the Cleveland Indians recorded a rare 5-4-3 triple play in a game against the Detroit Tigers. The play was made possible thanks to the quick reactions of both Indians’ shortstop Jose Ramirez and second baseman, Yoshitomo Suzuki. Ramirez caught a line drive and then threw to Suzuki, who caught and stepped on second base for the second out. Finally, Suzuki fired the ball to first base for the third out, sealing the triple play.
3. The “DeShields-Odor” Triple Play (2017)
In 2017, the Texas Rangers recorded a 5-4-3 triple play in a game against the Oakland Athletics. The play was made possible due to the quick reactions of both Rangers’ shortstop Delino DeShields and second baseman Rougned Odor. DeShields caught a line drive and then threw to Odor, who caught and stepped on second base for the second out. Finally, Odor fired the ball to first base for the third and final out of the triple play.
Conclusion
The 5-4-3 triple play is a rare defensive play in baseball in which three players combine to make three outs in a single play. While it is not unheard of, it is a relatively rare defensive play and one which is the source of much excitement. The play has been around since the game of baseball was first invented, with the earliest recorded 5-4-3 triple play occurring in 1876. Over the years, there have been some remarkable 5-4-3 triple plays, including the “Ichiro triple play,” the “Suzuki-Ramirez” triple play, and the “DeShields-Odor” triple play.