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1979: Gary Roenicke's Famous Triple Play

The Unique Incident of the 1979 Triple Play

On a sunny day in Oakland on May 26, 1979, baseball fans witnessed a rare occurrence in Major League Baseball—a triple play involving the Baltimore Orioles. The moment came during a game against the Oakland Athletics and is still remembered by fans for its rarity and excitement.

Gary Roenicke's Role in the Play

The Orioles' outfielder, Gary Roenicke, stepped up to the plate during the fourth inning, unaware that his hit would mark a significant part of baseball history. With runners on first and second bases, Roenicke struck a line drive that was caught by Athletics first baseman Mike Ivie. Ivie's quick reactions set off a chain reaction of events that resulted in the Orioles' 13th recorded triple play.

Understanding the Mechanics of the Triple Play

The definition of a triple play is fairly simple: it occurs when three outs are recorded in one continuous play. In this instance, as Ivie caught Roenicke's line drive, he stepped on first base, forcing out the runner from first base. He then quickly threw to second base, getting the runner there as well. This efficient series of actions secured the third out with a throw to the shortstop at second base, completing the rare feat.

Impact and Significance of the 1979 Triple Play

Triple plays are so infrequent in baseball that every occurrence holds its significance for fans, players, and teams alike. The 1979 play not only showcased the skill of the players involved but also left an indelible mark in the history of the Orioles franchise.

The Orioles' Legacy in Triple Plays

Before the 1979 game, the Orioles had already established a reputation for exciting plays, and this triple play added another highlight to their legacy. With the skillful execution of the play, Baltimore fans celebrated this thrilling moment, further cementing the admiration for their team.<\p>

The Aftermath of the Game

The game concluded with Baltimore emerging victorious. However, the triple play remained the talking point for days afterward, both for its rarity and for the momentum it gave to the Orioles during the match. Fans appreciated not just the victory but the spectacular chain of events featuring their team.

Fun Fact About the Triple Play

Gary Roenicke's Surprising Statistics

Interestingly, while Gary Roenicke is often remembered for this particular instance, he is also noted for his contributions as a player with a solid batting average during the late 1970s. This made him a valuable member of the Orioles' roster.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Major League Baseball History

For those interested in diving deeper into the unique history of baseball and events like the 1979 triple play, consider checking out "The Baseball Encyclopedia" or "The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract". Both provide extensive insights into the evolution and memorable moments of this beloved sport.