Expert: Steve L - 3/10/2004

Question
Steve, the explanation you sent me about how an unassisted triple play can occur, doesn't work, I don't think.  You have the shortstop getting the same runner out twice; the runner going  from 1st to 2nd base.  Can't happen.  This is a real stumper for me.  I thought I knew baseball pretty well, and I know an unassisted triple play can occur, but can't think of a way!

Answer
Let's try again:

The shorstop catches the line drive.  Out #1.

He steps on second to double the runner who WAS on second. Out #2.

He tags the runner from first as that runner comes into second and before he has a chance to head back to first. Out #3.