As a baseball aficionado and an expert in the field of sports history, I take pride in delving into the intricacies of the game and sharing my knowledge with those who are interested. Baseball is a sport rich with tradition, strategy, and moments of pure excitement that can turn the tide of a game in an instant. One such moment is the rare feat known as an unassisted triple play.

An unassisted triple play is a remarkable achievement in baseball, where a single player records three outs on his own without the aid of any other players. This is an incredibly rare event, as it requires a combination of skill, timing, and luck. The last recorded unassisted triple play in Major League Baseball history occurred on August 23, 2009, and it was executed by Eric Bruntlett, a second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies. This play took place during a game against the New York Mets.

The play itself unfolded in the bottom of the ninth inning with the bases loaded and the Phillies leading 9-7. The Mets' Jeff Francoeur stepped up to the plate and hit a line drive down the left-field line. Bruntlett, positioned in left field, made a diving catch of the ball. With his momentum carrying him towards the infield, he managed to touch second base, tagging the runner who was attempting to return to the base. Then, he tagged the runner coming from third base and finally tagged the runner coming from home plate, all in a swift and fluid motion. This sequence of events resulted in an unassisted triple play, sealing the Phillies' victory.

The rarity of an unassisted triple play is underscored by the fact that it has only occurred 15 times in the history of Major League Baseball, with the first one recorded in 1876. The feat is so rare that it's often said to be more likely to witness a solar eclipse than to see an unassisted triple play.

It's also worth noting that an unassisted triple play by an outfielder is even more exceptional. The only known instance of this occurred on June 9, 1927, by Walter Carlisle, an outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Carlisle's play is a testament to the extraordinary athletic ability and quick thinking required to pull off such a play.

In conclusion, the last unassisted triple play in Major League Baseball was a remarkable event that showcased the skill and agility of Eric Bruntlett. It's a play that will be remembered in the annals of baseball history, not only for its rarity but also for its significance in the context of the game it occurred in. Baseball fans and historians alike will continue to marvel at the precision and timing that went into making this play a reality.

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The last unassisted triple play in the Major Leagues was pulled off by second baseman Eric Bruntlett of the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies on August 23 against the New York Mets. Rarest of all is the unassisted triple play by an outfielder, performed only once in professional baseball history, by Walter Carlisle.Jul 26, 2017read more >>