Imagine the crowd roaring and the stadium shaking as two outs are miraculously made in a single play. This electrifying feat is known as the Double Play, a pivotal moment in baseball that can drastically shift the momentum of the game. It’s a testament to teamwork, strategy, and skill, all wrapped up in a matter of seconds. Get ready to dive into the exhilarating world of double plays, where agility meets precision, and every second counts.
What is a Double Play in Baseball?
A double play in baseball is a defensive play where two offensive players are out within the same continuous play of the ball. This significantly advantages the fielding team by quickly changing the momentum of the inning, potentially preventing the opposing team from scoring. Double plays can occur in various situations and combinations but typically involve quick and strategic movements by infielders. A common example of a double play is when a ground ball is hit to the shortstop, who then throws to the second baseman for the first out, and then to the first baseman for the second out, traditionally referred to as a “6-4-3 double play.”
Understanding Double Play with Example
Imagine a scenario where the batting team has a runner on first base with less than two outs.
The batter hits a ground ball directly toward the shortstop. The shortstop quickly fields the ball and throws it to the second baseman, who is covering second base. The runner from first is racing towards second, but the ball arrives in time for the second baseman to touch the base for the first out, removing the runner’s right to the base.
Without hesitation, the second baseman then throws the ball to the first baseman. The batter, sprinting down the first base line, is trying to beat the throw. However, the ball reaches the first baseman’s glove just before the batter steps on the base. This quick succession of plays results in outs for both the runner from first and the batter, completing a double play.
Through this example, known as the “6-4-3 double play” (shortstop to second baseman to first baseman), two offensive players are put out in a rapid, efficient manner, demonstrating the strategic advantage and dynamic action a double play brings to the game of baseball.
Double Play Scenarios
3-6-4 Double Play
The “3-6-4 double play” scenario involves the first baseman, shortstop, and second baseman.
It starts when a ground ball is hit toward the first baseman. The first baseman fields the ball and then throws it to the shortstop covering second base for the first out, effectively removing the runner advancing from first.
The shortstop quickly then makes a throw back to the second baseman, who has covered first base in the meanwhile, aiming to get the batter out. This particular sequence (first baseman to shortstop back to second baseman) is less common than the “6-4-3 double play” but showcases the same level of strategic depth and teamwork, emphasizing the versatility and quick thinking required by infielders to successfully execute double plays in various situations.
4-6-3 Double Play
The “4-6-3 double play” involves the second baseman (`4`), the shortstop (`6`), and the first baseman (`3`).
This play typically unfolds when a ground ball is hit towards the second baseman. Upon fielding the ball, the second baseman throws it to the shortstop at second base, who tags the base to out the runner coming from first. The shortstop then quickly throws the ball to the first baseman to get the batter out before they reach first base.
This sequence not only showcases the infielders’ ability to quickly transfer the ball among themselves but also highlights their strategic positioning and awareness. The “4-6-3 double play” is a common and efficient method to turn two outs, demonstrating the foundational teamwork and coordination within the infield defense.
8-5-3 Double Play
The “8-5-3 double play” involves the center fielder (`8`), the third baseman (`5`), and the first baseman (`3`).
This type of double play typically occurs when a fly ball is caught by the center fielder, and a runner on base is caught off-guard, attempting to advance before the catch. The center fielder throws the ball to the third baseman, who tags the base to out the advancing runner.
The third baseman then throws the ball to the first baseman, aiming to out the batter-runner who may have attempted to take advantage of the outfield play to advance to or past first base.
The success of an “8-5-3 double play” hinges on precise throws and the quick decision-making of the outfielder and infielders, showcasing a high level of teamwork and strategic foresight far beyond what is typically expected in the infield.
5-4-3 Double Play
The “5-4-3 double play” involves the third baseman (`5`), the second baseman (`4`), and the first baseman (`3`). This sequence typically unfolds when a ground ball is hit towards the third baseman.
The third baseman fields the ball and throws it to the second baseman, who is positioned at second base. The second baseman catches the ball and steps on the base to get the runner out, who is advancing from first. Immediately after, the second baseman throws the ball to the first baseman, aiming to get the batter-runner out at first base before they can safely reach the base.
This double play is a testament to the infielders’ quick reflexes, precision in throwing, and strategic positioning, efficiently removing two offensive players from the bases with swift and coordinated actions.
Popular Double Plays in MLB History
1-6-1-5 Double Play
On July 30, 2014, during a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants, an unusual and memorable 1-6-1-5 double play unfolded, highlighting the quick wit and agility of the players involved.
This particular play did not stem from a hit, but rather from a strategic move gone awry. Giants pitcher Jean Machi, after issuing a walk to Chris Stewart, noticed Travis Snider, one of the base-runners, significantly off second base. Machi quickly threw the ball to shortstop Brandon Crawford, who then caught Snider too far from the base, tagging him out. The play took an even more unexpected turn when Gaby Sanchez, another runner, attempted to seize this moment to score from third.
However, Crawford, with an eagle eye, threw the ball back to Machi, now positioned near the third base line. Machi then passed the ball to third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who tagged Sanchez out in a thrilling chase back to third base. This play is celebrated not only for its rarity but also for the exceptional awareness and coordination displayed by the Giants, making it a standout moment in MLB history.
3-2-5-4-2-8-6 Double Play
In a pivotal matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs on September 25, 2021, a moment of defensive brilliance unfolded in the bottom of the 8th inning. With the Cubs trailing 5-4 and runners threatening on the corners, the stage was set for a game-changing play.
It all began with a sharp hit by David Bote of the Cubs, resulting in a triple. A walk and a subsequent strikeout intensified the pressure, leaving the Cubs eager to capitalize on their scoring opportunity. Enter Rafael Ortega, whose ground ball to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt sparked a sequence of defensive wizardry.
Goldschmidt’s swift reaction initiated the extraordinary 3-2-5-4-2-8-6 double play, a testament to the Cardinals’ remarkable teamwork and quick thinking. The play unfolded like a meticulously choreographed performance, involving nearly every infielder and even outfielder Harrison Bader.
With precision reminiscent of a well-oiled machine, the ball zipped from Goldschmidt to catcher Yadier Molina, igniting a strategic chain of throws aimed at ensnaring the Cubs’ baserunners in a web of defensive excellence. Amidst the whirlwind of passes, Molina and shortstop Paul DeJong executed flawless tags, securing the outs and halting the Cubs’ momentum in its tracks.Double Play Leaders
