Expert: Steve L - 3/9/2004

Question
How is it possible to achieve an unassisted triple play?  There have been 12 in the history of major league baseball, and I can't figure out how one is possible.

Answer
Here's one possibility:

With runners on first and second and nobody out, the batter hits a line drive toward second base.  The runners, thinking that the ball will go through for a hit, start running toward the next base.

The shortstop leaps and catches the ball, (the first out),  steps on second (the second out) and tags the runner from first as he nears second base, completing the triple play.