The Rare 5-3-7 Double Play in Baseball History

Name: The Rare 5-3-7 Double Play in Baseball History
Start: 1912-04-16
Location: Unspecified

The Unique 5-3-7 Double Play by the Pirates

On May 24, 1912, during a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs, an unusual play occurred that would later become a piece of baseball folklore: the 5-3-7 double play. This rare instance is notable not just for its numerical designation but for how it showcases the spontaneity and creativity that can emerge in the world of sports.

The Play Unfolds

The play began with the Pirates in the field when a hard-hit ball was directed toward the third baseman, who was positioned at the hot corner—a significant defensive position. In this case, the third baseman was Pie Traynor, a future Hall of Famer. Traynor reacted swiftly, making a clean catch of the ball before throwing it to the first baseman, Fred Clarke, to record the first out. This was your typical 5-3 putout.

The Left Fielder's Brave Move

However, what followed next was where the play transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. The ball was hit in such a way that a second runner was trying to advance to second base. Instead of the usual second baseman covering the bag, it was the left fielder Max Carey who sprinted towards second base to receive the throw from Clarke. By skillfully catching the ball and tagging the runner, Carey executed the second out, marking the '7' in what became a bizarre yet accurate double play notation.

Historical Significance of the 5-3-7 Double Play

This rare play is one of the few recorded instances in Major League Baseball history where a left fielder, along with the third baseman and first baseman, participated in a double play with such unconventional positioning. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball, where position players can find themselves in unexpected roles.

The Art of Baseball Creativity

The ability to think on one’s feet is what characterizes great players and great moments in sports. The 5-3-7 double play is a prime example of how fielders can adjust to the ever-changing dynamics of a game. It illustrates not just the skill of individual players but also the importance of teamwork and communication. The play is often revisited by baseball historians as an example of the game's enduring unpredictability.

An Exceedingly Rare Play

Such double plays are exceedingly rare in baseball history, which makes the Pirates’ execution of the 5-3-7 double play even more significant. It's a unique mark in a season filled with standard plays and showcases the practitioners' occasional flair for drama and surprise on the field. If you were lucky enough to have witnessed it, you would know the thrill of such moments that can forever be etched in the memory of fans.

Fun Fact

Pirates’ Historic Moment

The Pirates are known for their rich history, and this play is a tiny, yet exciting, part of that legacy. It exemplifies not just a highlighted moment of the season but also depicts the unpredictable essence that keeps baseball fans endlessly fascinated.