On May 8, 1878, Paul Hines was credited with a triple play which was correct for the "rules in play." However, by modern rules it was an unassisted double play with a throw to second base for the third out.
Bill Wambsganss Triple Play during 1920 World Series
(Source: Hall of Fame Collection)
Did you know that George Burns and Johnny Neun are the only two first basemen in Major League history to turn an unassisted triple play? Breaking down all fifteen instances of unassisted triple plays by position, there have been two by first basemen, five by second basemen, and eight by shortstops in Major League history.
Did you know that two of the unassisted triple plays occurred as the last play of a game? On 05-31-1927, Johnny Neun secured a 1-0 home win for the Detroit Tigers with an unassisted triple play in the top of the ninth inning. And, on August 23, 2009, Eric Bruntlett wrapped up 9-7 win by the Phillies over the Mets with an unassisted triple play in the bottom of the ninth inning.
On October 10, 1920, Elmer Smith hit the the first grand slam in World Series history. What is the relevance? During that same game Wamby also turned the first & only unassisted triple play (Read the entire Cleveland Times article on our 1920 World Series page) in post season history.
