The Rarest Feats in MLB: Unassisted Triple Play and More

Baseball, with its rich history and numerous record attempts, often presents viewers with some of the most awe-inspiring moments in sports. Among these, a few feats stand out as incredibly rare or have never been achieved in the 154-year history of MLB. Let's explore some of the most extraordinary feats in Major League Baseball, with a particular focus on the unassisted triple play, the inside the park grand slam, and the unique situation of a walk-off dropped third strike with bases loaded.

Rarest Feats in MLB

Beyond the legendary and somewhat fictional story of Bill Wambsganss, who single-handedly turned the 1920 World Series's unassisted triple play, there are several other extraordinary feats that, while stranger than fiction, have never been realized in the history of baseball. These include the striking coincidence of hitting a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game, which is known as a natural cycle; the rare instance of a pitcher killing a batter with a pitch; and the singular occurrence of an inside the park walk-off grand slam.

Unassisted Triple Play

An unassisted triple play, where a single player makes all three outs, is perhaps the most remarkable feat of all. In the MLB history, this rare occurrence has only been recorded 16 times, with the most recent one happening in 1999 when Fernando Tatis III of the St. Louis Cardinals hit 2 grand slams in a single inning, setting a Major League record with 8 RBIs in that inning.

Natural Cycle

The natural cycle, a most peculiar sequence of hitting a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game, requires an unparalleled talent and timing. Despite numerous attempts and close calls, this feat has never been accomplished in MLB. The closest it has come is with Mike Trout, who famously hit four consecutive hits to get close to the mark in one game but fell short of the natural cycle.

Other Uncommon Feats

Surprisingly, the walk-off dropped third strike with bases loaded and two out, while theoretically possible, has never occurred in MLB. This unique scenario would require a dropped third strike that allows all four runners to score, effectively reversing the outcome of the game. Additionally, a 30-game winning pitcher in a single season and hitting a ball out of T-Mobile Park during batting practice both are feats that have a single occurrence each, further emphasizing their rarity.

Discussion

Mentioned as well is the hypothetical scenario where a player might steal home on a pitch, which adds a thrilling twist to the already exciting world of baseball. Other notable feats include the natural cycle achievement, which, despite missing the 'perfect' four-hit sequence, still fascinates fans and players alike.

Conclusion

Among the incredible and record-breaking feats in MLB, the unassisted triple play stands out as one of the most remarkable. Still, other unique scenarios, such as the natural cycle and the rare events related to hitting, dropping, and scoring in unconventional ways, continue to captivate baseball enthusiasts. These feats serve to enhance the mystique and the allure of the game, making each baseball game a thrilling adventure for fans and players alike.