How is it possible for a baseball fielder to score an unassisted triple play without actually fielding the ball, or even touching it. Here’s a hint, George Will, the columnist, figured this one out.
LINK TO COLUMN: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/450/how-is-an-unassisted-triple-play-accomplished-in-baseball
I think I’ve seen that, but is there a fielder actually involved?
I’m guessing runner’s interference is involved but I can’t get it to three.
Person who would have made the play is given credit for outs. I tried to work missed base in but that’s scored 1-3 (or whatever base).
Infield fly rule (1), runner passes another runner (2), dropping ball hits remaining runner (3).
That’s the one I saw somewhere. Is there a fielder credited with any outs there?
Infield fly is credited to fielder who should have made catch
when two runners pass the out is credited to fielder closer to the point they passed
Ball hits runner, out credited to fielder closest to ball.
So easy to see how 1 & 3 could be same fielder, I guess 2 is possible, if not particularly likely
link?
Welcome to the Straight Dope Message Boards, watchwolf49, we’re glad you found us. For future ref, when you start a thread in this forum, it’s helpful to other readers to provide a link to the column in question. I’ve added a link to what I assume is the column you’re commenting on. If I’m wrong about that, please email me or REPORT this post (by clicking on the little ! in the red triangle in upper right corner) and I’ll be glad to amend. No big deal, happy to help, and you’ll know for next time. And, as I say, welcome!
There are two other possibilities:
Or even another possibility, also covered by the rules: