A double play, commonly abbreviated as DP, is a defensive play by the fielding team in baseball that results in two outs being recorded in the same continuous action. Double plays are exciting to watch and an important strategic element of the game. Executing a well-timed double play can get a team out of a tough situation and swing momentum in their favor. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about double plays in baseball.

A double play in baseball is when a defensive play results in two outs for the batting team in one continuous play.

The key factor that defines a double play is that two offensive players are put out as a result of continuous action that is initiated by the defense. This means the defense records two outs on the same play without the batting team having a chance to hit or advance between outs.

For a double play to occur, there must be at least one runner on base along with the batter. The fielders must then execute the play by getting the lead runner out and then quickly throwing to another fielder to get the trailing runner or batter out before they can reach safely. This swift coordination allows the defense to rapidly record two outs.

Common Ways That Double Plays Occur

Ground Ball Double Plays

The most common double play occurs when a ground ball is hit to an infielder who then throws to a middle infielder covering second base to force out the lead runner. The covering fielder then throws to first base to get the batter out before they reach safely. This is referred to as an “around the horn” double play and is a routine yet effective method to get two quick outs.

Catcher-to-Second Base Double Plays

Another common double play happens with a runner on first base. The catcher catches a third strike that the batter misses or fouls off. The catcher then throws the ball to the fielder covering second base who touches the bag and gets the runner out who was leading off first base. The catcher then receives the return throw back to complete the double play.

Line Drive Double Plays

A line drive hit directly to an infielder can also result in a double play if there is a runner on first base. The fielder catches the ball in the air and then quickly throws it to second base before the base runner has time to tag and advance. This is an exciting play that requires perfect timing and execution.

Reverse or Backwards Double Plays

An unconventional double play is the reverse or backwards double play where the first out recorded is at second base. This occurs when there is a runner on first base and the batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop or second baseman who throws to second base for a force out. The fielder then throws back to first base to complete the double play.

Triple Plays

In very rare instances, three outs can be recorded on the same continuous play. This is known as a triple play and requires perfect positioning and lightning-fast execution by the defense. They are a unique and exciting outlier to the more common double play.

Key Positions In a Double Play

Double plays require teamwork between players of certain fielding positions. Here are the key roles in a successful double play:

Pitcher: The pitcher aims to induce ground balls to the left side of the infield to start potential double plays. This involves throwing low sinking pitches that batters tend to hit down into the ground.
Shortstop: The shortstop fields grounders hit to the left of second base to begin a double play feed to the second baseman covering the bag. The shortstop serves as the pivot man in most standard double plays.
Second Baseman: The second baseman covers second base during double play situations to receive the throw from the shortstop and then quickly relay the ball to first base. Speed and coordination are vital for this role.
First Baseman: The first baseman is the final part of the double play combination. They have to catch the throw from the second baseman and get their foot on the bag before the batter reaches. Long stretches and scoops are key skills for the first baseman.

Why Double Plays Are Important Strategically

Double plays are extremely valuable for a defense because they can instantly take a team from being in a threat situation with runners on base to having two quick outs. Managers will often call for pitchers to induce double plays when the game situation calls for preventing runs from scoring.

Some key strategic benefits of double plays include:

Gets pitchers out of jams by erasing multiple base runners
Prevents teams from building and expanding on rallies
Shifts momentum to the defense by taking control of an inning
Discourages aggression from base runners who may be wary of getting caught up in a double play

Turning two efficiently is a fundamental part of strong defensive baseball. Pitchers and fielders regularly practice double play execution to harness the strategic power of turning two outs rapidly during games.

Unique Ways That Records Are Tracked

Double plays have been tracked extensively throughout baseball history, leading to some unique records and statistics including:

Most double plays turned by a team in one season – The 1949 Cleveland Indians hold the MLB record with 217 double plays turned in one season.
Unassisted double plays – When one fielder records both outs without help from another player. Shortstops have the most opportunity to pull off this rare play.
Triple plays turned in a career – The record is 6 held by Brooks Robinson, most of which were started around second base.
Double play combinations – Recording which shortstop and second base pairings participate in the most double plays over time. Popular combos become renowned for their double play excellence.
Twin killings – Slang term often used by announcers to describe double plays. Originated from famous broadcaster Red Barber.

Famous Examples of Pivotal Double Plays

While double plays happen nearly every game, some stand out as particularly important based on their timing and impact on notable games:

2020 NLCS Game 7 – The Los Angeles Dodgers turned a crucial double play in the 6th inning versus the Atlanta Braves. It halted Atlanta’s momentum en route to a Dodgers comeback victory.
2016 World Series Game 7 – The Chicago Cubs infamously turned a double play against the Cleveland Indians in extra innings during their first World Series title run in over 100 years.
2015 ALDS Game 5 – Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Roberto Alomar made an athletic leaping catch and double play in the 7th inning to help Toronto advance.
1931 World Series Game 7 – Peppery Martin of the St. Louis Cardinals made an errant slide leading to a Yankees double play that helped end the series.
1920 World Series – Bill Wambsganss of the Cleveland Indians completed an unassisted triple play during the World Series, the only one in postseason history.

What exactly is a double play?

A double play is a continuous play initiated by the defense where two offensive players are recorded as outs without having a chance to bat or advance between the outs. The most common way it happens is on a ground ball where the fielder throws to second base to force out one runner and the second baseman relays the ball to first base to get the batter out. But there are several formations of double plays. The key is continuous action leading to two outs for the batting team.

How Double Plays Impact Games Strategically

Double plays are extremely valuable to the defense because of how much they can instantly swing control and momentum in a game. By getting two outs in one continuous play, the defense can go from being in ajam with multiple runners on base to having just a few outs left to end an inning.

Managers will often call for pitchers to specifically pitch for ground balls when there is a good chance for a double play. The strategy involves getting the lead runner out first and then having time to get another trailing runner out immediately after. This prevents the batting team from extending rallies and building momentum.

Knowing how crucial double plays are, base runners will also be cautious about getting too aggressive on the bases if a double play is possible. They may hesitate extra on leads and slides to avoid getting caught up in a twin killing. The threat of a double play impacts the strategy of runners, batters, pitchers, and fielders.

Common Fielding Positions In Double Plays

Double plays require synchronized teamwork between players at certain fielding positions. Here are the key roles that work together to turn two efficiently:

Pitcher – The pitcher wants to induce ground balls, often by throwing sinkers or low pitches that have downward movement. This increases chances for grounders to the left side of the infield where shortstops and second basemen can start double plays.

Shortstop – The shortstop fields ground balls up the middle and to their left, then flips or tosses the ball to the second baseman to get the force out on the lead runner. They are usually the pivot man in starting the double play sequence.

Second Baseman – The second baseman covers the bag at second base during double play situations and receives the throw from the shortstop. They have to quickly catch the ball, touch second, and make an accurate throw to first base.

First Baseman – The first baseman is prepared to make a long reach or pick balls out of the dirt on errant throws. They stretch towards the incoming throw and get their foot on first base before the batter arrives.

Famous Double Play Combinations In MLB History

Certain shortstop and second base pairings have gone down in history for their excellence in turning double plays together. Here are some of the most famous double play combos:

Cubs: Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, Frank Chance (“Tinker to Evers to Chance”)
Athletics: Jack Barry, Eddie Collins
Cardinals: Marty Marion, Red Schoendienst
Yankees: Phil Rizzuto, Jerry Coleman
Reds: Dave Concepcion, Joe Morgan
Blue Jays: Tony Fernandez, Roberto Alomar
Mets: Rey Ordonez, Edgardo Alfonzo

These players developed flawless chemistry and timing from turning two together game after game. Announcers would enthusiastically cite their names on double plays. Many clubs have their best middle infield combinations recognized together in team lore.

Position Players With Most Double Plays in MLB Career

Based on the nature of their defensive positions, shortstops and second basemen are most often involved in turning double plays. Throughout history, these players have recorded the most double plays participated in over a full MLB career:

Omar Vizquel (SS) – 1,734 double plays
Bill Mazeroski (2B) – 1,706 double plays
Luis Aparicio (SS) – 1,581 double plays
Nellie Fox (2B) – 1,529 double plays
Cal Ripken Jr. (SS) – 1,565 double plays
Joe Morgan (2B) – 1,865 double plays

Shortstops like Ozzie Smith were also renowned for their brilliance in starting and turning double plays despite not having the sheer volume of some others. It takes incredible longevity and defensive excellence to rack up the most double plays across eras.

Notable Ways Double Plays Impacted MLB Postseason Games

While they occur frequently in regular season play, double plays have also influenced critical moments in playoff baseball history:

2020 NLCS Game 7 – The Dodgers turned a clutch double play in the 6th inning to stall Atlanta’s momentum. LA later came back to win 4-3.
2016 World Series Game 7 – The Chicago Cubs infamously turned a double play against Cleveland in the 10th inning, leading to their drought-breaking title.
2015 ALDS Game 5 – The Blue Jays preserved a one run lead over Texas with a diving double play by Roberto Alomar in the 7th inning.
2014 AL Wild Card – The Kansas City Royals capitalized on an error in a double play and rallied to defeat Oakland 9-8 in 12 innings.
2003 NLCS Game 6 – The Florida Marlins turned a key 5-4-3 double play in the 8th inning versus the Cubs on their way to winning the series.

Double plays have torpedoed many postseason rallies and paved the way for comebacks that defined franchises. Their impact is magnified on the game’s biggest stages.

Rare Instances of Triple Plays in MLB History

In exceptionally rare cases, three outs can be recorded by the defense on the same continuous play. This is known as a triple play and requires perfect positioning, reflexes, and execution by the fielders involved. Here are some of the most memorable triple plays in MLB history:

1920 World Series – Cleveland’s Bill Wambsganss completed an unassisted triple play, the only one in World Series history.
2016 – The Chicago White Sox turned the first 9-3-2-6-2-5 triple play in over a century versus the Texas Rangers.
2015 – The Los Angeles Dodgers turned a wild triple play that included Yasmani Grandal tagging two runners out at third base on the same play.
1998 – The New York Mets turned a triple play at Shea Stadium against the Los Angeles Dodgers on a liner to third base.
1994 – The Minnesota Twins executed a triple play against the Boston Red Sox when third baseman Gary Gaetti caught a line drive and tagged two runners.

Though triple plays happen roughly once a season, they remain iconic moments in baseball’s long history whenever they improbably occur.

Unique Double Play Records and Stats

The frequency of double plays has led to many obscure records and stats being tracked over decades:

Most Double Plays in One Season – The 1949 Cleveland Indians hold the MLB record with 217 double plays turned.
Unassisted Double Plays – One fielder records both outs without help from teammates. Shortstops lead this rare feat.
Most Triple Plays in Career – Brooks Robinson has the record with 6, mostly started around second base.
Twin Killings – Slang term for double plays first coined by famous broadcaster Red Barber.
6-4-3 DP – Common baseball scorekeeping notation for a standard ground ball double play sequence.
DP Combo Nicknames – Infamous middle infield double play pairings like Tinker-Evers-Chance were immortalized by creative nicknames.

Importance of the “Pivot Man” in Completing Double Plays

The shortstop or second baseman handling the “pivot” at the middle of a double play has an especially crucial role. As the pivot man, they must quickly receive the incoming throw, tag the base, and generate power in their body motion to make an accurate throw to first base in one smooth sequence.

Great pivot men like Ozzie Smith had a signature style that allowed them to fluidly connect the two outs. They mastered footwork, timing, release point, and throwing strength from the pivot. A bad pivot can lead to an error or the runner just beating out the throw. The pivot is what makes the double play possible for infielders.

Common Baserunning Mistakes That Lead to Double Plays

Runners can often ruin a potential rally by making baserunning errors that feed into an inning-ending double play. Some of the most frequent mistakes include:

Taking too wide of a lead off first base
Getting caught unaware or standing straight up on a ground ball
Sliding into second base poorly and failing to break up the play
Making the first out at third base rather than second
Running on contact without reading the fielder’s play
Not getting back to a base quickly enough after rounding it

Smart, fundamental baserunning like going hard into slides and staying aware of game situations helps players avoid running into needless double plays. It takes sound fundamentals and split-second reaction skills from all players involved on both sides.

Notable Record Holders For Most Double Plays Grounded Into

Hitting into double plays is certainly not a glamorous record, but some prominent power hitters have certainly been prone to erasing rallies by hitting into two:

Cal Ripken Jr. – 350 career GIDP
Hank Aaron – 328 career GIDP
Albert Pujols – 315 career GIDP (active)
Jim Rice – 315 career GIDP
Carl Yastrzemski – 310 career GIDP
Dave Kingman – 299 career GIDP

Sluggers like Miguel Cabrera, Robinson Cano, and David Ortiz have also topped 250 GIDP. The combination of hitting in the middle of the order and being slower runners adds to double play risk. Still, GIDP leaders were supremely talented all-around players.

Strategies Batters Use to Avoid Grounding Into Double Plays

Savvy hitters adapt their approach at the plate in double play situations to give themselves the best chance of avoiding grounding into two:

Focus on hitting the ball in the air – line drives, fly balls, and pop ups cannot lead to double plays.
Choke up on the bat – Shortens swing path and helps batter inside-out the ball toward right field.
Swing down through the ball – Creates downward trajectory and top spin to prevent bounding grounders.
Run hard on all contact – Sprint down the line and force the defense to execute perfectly.
Lay down a bunt – Push bunt the ball past the pitcher towards an empty side of the infield.
Let close pitches go – Be selective and wait for an optimal pitch that limits double play risk.

Fundamentals of a Good Double Play Pivot and Throw

The “pivot man” in any double play has a crucial role in turning two smoothly. Here are keys to a fundamentally sound double play pivot and throw:

Quick transfer – Move the ball from glove to throwing hand rapidly after catching it.
Square up – Keep shoulders and hips aligned to target, avoid rotation before throwing.

Conclusion

A double play is one of the most exciting and meaningful plays in baseball. The rapid coordination between the pitcher, shortstop, second baseman, and first baseman required to turn two makes it a true display of defensive skill and teamwork. Double plays hold strategic importance by getting teams out of jams, preventing rallies, and shifting momentum back to the pitching team. Stats geeks love double play records and combinations. Fans love the burst of action. It’s a key baseball play with rich history and significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common double play sequence?

The most common double play is the “around the horn” sequence that goes pitcher to catcher to second baseman to first baseman (1-6-4-3). This often happens on a ground ball to the shortstop who flips to the second baseman forcing out the lead runner. The second baseman then throws to first to get the batter before they reach safely.

Has any player ever made an unassisted triple play?

Yes, Cleveland Indians infielder Bill Wambsganss executed an unassisted triple play during the 1920 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers. It remains the only unassisted triple play in MLB postseason history.

What is the record for most double plays turned in an MLB game?

The MLB record for most double plays turned in a single game is 7. It has been accomplished multiple times with the most recent being the New York Mets in 2019. Many times it occurs during extra inning games that go on long enough to produce the high DP numbers.

Do both runners have to be forced out to qualify as a double play?

No, one of the two outs can be a force out while the other is a tag play and it still counts as a double play. The key factor is continuous action resulting in two outs without the chance for anything in between.

Which famous poem helped popularize the Tinker to Evers to Chance double play combo name?

The poem “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon” written in 1910 by Franklin Pierce Adams referred to the Cubs double play trio as Tinker to Evers to Chance. The poem brought them greater fame and immortalized the rhyming phrase.

How can a triple play end an inning?

If there are runners on first and second base with no outs, a triple play can end an inning. The fielders would have to record outs at third base, second base, and first base on the same play. This would tag out the lead runner, force out the middle runner, and force out the batter for three total outs.

Why do broadcasters call double plays “twin killings”?

The term “twin killing” to describe a double play was popularized by iconic broadcaster Red Barber. He referred to double plays as “twin killings” because the batting team loses two potential run-scoring opportunities in one play. It evoked a sense of rapidly crushing the offense’s momentum or rally.

Who participated in the only 2-5-3 triple play in MLB history?

The Chicago White Sox completed this ultra rare sequence in 2016 with a lined shot caught by third baseman Tyler Saladino who then tagged two Texas baserunners for a 2-5-3 triple play. It was the first 2-5-3 triple play in over 100 years.

Are there any active MLB players who have hit into over 250 double plays?

Among currently active players, Miguel Cabrera leads with 277 career double plays grounded into. Albert Pujols follows with 315 over his illustrious career. Joey Votto (235 GIDP), Robinson Cano (263), and Justin Upton (213) have also topped 200 GIDP.

How fast does a double play typically happen?

The full sequence of a routine 4-6-3 or 6-4-3 double play usually takes between 4 to 5 seconds from the pitch being thrown to the out at first base being recorded. However, spectacular double plays such as a line drive grab with a throw to double off a runner can happen in just over 2 seconds.