The unassisted triple-play is one of the most exciting as well as unlikely plays in baseball. The first recorded modern unassisted triple play was recorded in 1909, and to this day only 15 men have accomplished this ridiculously difficult feat. The 1920’s appeared to have more than their share of this elusive turn of play, and this collection of signed and inscribed 8x10s depicts four players who turned the trick during the Roaring 20s.
Cleveland 2nd baseman Bill Wambsganss’s moment came on the largest stage of all, the 1920 World Series. In the fifth inning of Game 5, Wambsganss caught a line drive, tagged the runner and touched 2nd base to end the inning. This is the only time a triple-play was ever turned in the World Series. On May 7, 1925, Pirates shortstop Glenn Wright ended the 9th inning by catching a line drive, touching second and tagging the runner. Jimmy Cooney’s turn came on May 30, 1927, recording his unassisted triple-play in the same exact sequence as Wright. Johnny Nuen’s unassisted triple-play was unique in that he was a 1st baseman and had to catch a line drive, tag a runner and then beat a surprised runner returning to 2nd base.
To reinforce how rare the unassisted triple-play is, fans had to wait 41 years after Nuen’s feat to see it happen again. Each of these four men have neatly signed 8x10 photos and carefully inscribed the details and circumstances surrounding the play that landed them in the history books.
Autographs and inscriptions pre-certified by PSA/DNA.